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Claude Puel reveals positive news on Virgil van Dijk and Alex McCarthy

By Chris Hughes

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Alex McCarthy and Joe Hart look on during the England training session on September 2, 2016 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: Alex McCarthy and Joe Hart look on during the England training session on September 2, 2016 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) /
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Southampton boss Claude Puel has dropped some good news in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s game against Manchester United this Wednesday.

Earlier today Claude Puel addressed the media ahead of Southampton’s penultimate game of the season, with the Saints hosting Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils at St. Mary’s this Wednesday evening.

The under-fire Frenchman has been without a host of players for extended periods of the time, the most notable being Virgil van Dijk, who was injured against Leicester some five months ago.

The Dutchman had previously been instrumental to any Southampton success, and as a result has been linked with England’s elite in a £50 million deal this summer.

Van Dijk’s return to fitness has seemingly been a long one, but today Puel confirmed that the centre-back has made great progress.

He said: We have no new injuries, but there was some good news this morning when I saw Virgil running on the pitch.

“He is not available, but it was his first run and it’s a good thing, but he does not have the possibility to participate with the team until the end of the season.”

The bad news is that the 55-year-old cemented the fact that the Dutch international would not play again this season, meaning despite his comments suggesting otherwise he may of played his final game for the Saints.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Jamie Vardy (C) of Leicester City competes for the ball against Cedric Soares (R) and Virgil van Dijk (L) of Southampton compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Jamie Vardy (C) of Leicester City competes for the ball against Cedric Soares (R) and Virgil van Dijk (L) of Southampton compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary’s Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

But Puel also revealed positive news about goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. The former Crystal Palace stopper is yet to feature in the league for the Saints due to the long-term setback.

He said: “McCarthy comes back in the training sessions also and makes good progress. Again, he is not available, but is making progress. Jake Hesketh is also not available, but that is all.”

It means the Saints have no fresh injury doubts going into the game against United, who could field a strong team going into the midweek affair.

Mourinho rested a host of first-team players in the loss to Tottenham, and will need to pick up the three points to keep United’s thin hopes of a Champions League spot alive.

But the Saints still have plenty to play for themselves. Results this past weekend meant they now sit level on points with West Brom in eighth with two games to play apiece. They will need to win both games to have any chance of leapfrogging the Baggies.

Kick-off this Wednesday is 7:45 PM.

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