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Mauricio Pellegrino reveals Southampton team news ahead of Swansea clash

By Chris Hughes

GOLDACH, SWITZERLAND - JULY 15: Manager Mauricio Pellegrino from FC Southampton during the pre-season friendly match between FC Southampton and St. Gallen at Sportanlage Kellen on July 15, 2017 in Goldach, Switzerland. (Photo by Simon Hausberger/Getty Images)
GOLDACH, SWITZERLAND - JULY 15: Manager Mauricio Pellegrino from FC Southampton during the pre-season friendly match between FC Southampton and St. Gallen at Sportanlage Kellen on July 15, 2017 in Goldach, Switzerland. (Photo by Simon Hausberger/Getty Images) /
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With his first competitive fixture just over 24 hours away, Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has confirmed his team news to the media.

After a relatively successful pre-season which concluded with a win over Spanish giants Sevilla, the Saints return to competitive tomorrow as they host a depleted Swansea.

The Swans – managed by Paul Clement – are going to be without Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente for the clash, with both missing respectively through injuries.

But Southampton themselves will not be able to boast a full team, with Mauricio Pellegrino confirming that Virgil van Dijk will miss the game at his pre-match presser today.

Van Dijk’s future is very much up in the air and as a result he hasn’t featured once in pre-season, meaning the unorthodox pairing of Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens will likely start at the back.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 17: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United and Maya Yoshida of Southampton battle for possession during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium on May 17, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 17: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United and Maya Yoshida of Southampton battle for possession during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium on May 17, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Meanwhile Jeremy Pied could get the nod in the right-back spot, following Cedric’s late return to pre-season. Pellegrino confirmed it’ll be touch-and-go right up to kick-off to see whether the Portuguese international starts, after his extended break following his Confederation’s Cup run with his national side.

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However there is one silver lining, with the 45-year-old confirming that Mario Lemina could start tomorrow. The Gabonese international joined earlier this week but has kept his fitness up with appearances for Juventus this summer, meaning he could make his debut in midfield.

"“Physically he is good, because he has been training in Juventus, but we will decide between today and tomorrow if he will be part of the team.” – Pellegrino"

Lemina has admitted that he needs to hit the ground running in the tough and competitive Premier League, and a debut against a weakened Swansea team could the perfect confidence booster for the 23-year-old.

Southampton’s game against Swansea kicks off at 3:00 PM tomorrow at St. Mary’s Stadium.

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