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Southampton reaffirm Virgil van Dijk’s absence from France trip

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts as they are eliminated after the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Southampton FC and Hapoel Be'er-Sheva FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 8, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts as they are eliminated after the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Southampton FC and Hapoel Be'er-Sheva FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 8, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Today Southampton have announced the trimmed 25-man squad for their trip to France, confirming one highly-expected absence.

Ahead of this weekend’s friendly against Saint-Etienne, the Saints have announced their squad for their pre-season camp, which will mirror that of the trip to Austria a fortnight ago.

One notable absence from the squad is team captain Virgil van Dijk, but his absence shouldn’t come as a surprise to Southampton supporters, as Mauricio Pellegrino confirmed he would train alone this week after asking to leave.

After weeks of speculation this is the first development from van Dijk’s end regarding a potential transfer, as the Argentinian manager revealed that the Dutchman has asked for a move away just 12 months after signing a six-year contract.

However the 26-year-old isn’t the only first-team player missing from the trip across the channel, with Cedric Soares still on holiday after the Confederations Cup and Alex McCarthy also missing with what is likely an unconfirmed injury.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Cedric Soares of Southampton and James Milner of Liverpool clash during the EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on January 25, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Cedric Soares of Southampton and James Milner of Liverpool clash during the EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on January 25, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

However Southampton have confirmed that Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse will travel for the friendly, with fellow England Under-21 internationals Jack Stephens and Matt Targett too.

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Much like with Cedric, the Saints had offered extended holiday to their Young Lions, however all four will now train and likely feature this coming Saturday after a warm-up against Championship side Brentford.

The return of the first-team players coupled with the smaller squad size means several young players will miss the pre-season camp, with Pellegrino obviously focusing on getting his regulars ready for the upcoming campaign.

However youngster Will Wood has made the cut alongside the likes of Sam Gallagher and Alfie Jones, suggesting the Argentine has singled them out as potential break-out talents this coming season.

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