Southampton: Pellegrino reveals Mario Lemina injury ahead of Brighton

In his pre-match presser ahead of the game against Brighton this Sunday, Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino has revealed one big absence.

Midfield maestro Mario Lemina is set to miss the important match-up with an ankle injury, which was presumably picked up in training this week.

The Gabonese international has been arguably Southampton’s player of the season so far, making his absence particularly disheartening. The Southampton boss hasn’t given a time-frame for his return, meaning he could miss a good portion of the Saints’ difficult end to 2017.

His absence will likely see Steven Davis sit deeper in the midfield, allowing James Ward-Prowse or Sofiane Boufal to return to the starting XI. There’s also a slender chance that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could finally get a break in the first team if Pellegrino choses to stick with his narrow diamond formation.

"“Mario Lemina is injured this week – he is the only player we’ll lose this week.” – Pellegrino"

The Argentinian has confirmed however that the Saints boast a clean bill of health excluding the former-Juventus man, meaning a full arsenal of talent will be at his disposal as Southampton look to win back-to-back games.

Next: Ten-game player analysis: Ryan Bertrand

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 21: Mauricio Pellegrino, manager of Southampton looks on before the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary’s Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Last time out the Saints were victorious over West Brom, with a wonder-goal coming from Moroccan winger Sofiane Bofual late on. Pellegrino has been anxious to use the former-Lille man this season, but admits he’s now very much in first-team contention.

"“Sofiane is one possibility from the start, in the last two or three games he is playing well, even from the bench. “I am happy with that, I want to improve the competition in the squad. Sofiane is a young lad and this action can give him more confidence to be better.”"

Boufal only found the back of the net twice last season with just one coming in the Premier League – his lack of consistent form is what led him to struggle to land a first-team spot.

A good performance against a promoted Brighton side could be just what the young forward needs, with the supporters itching to see him play week in, week out.

With Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic both out of form, and Lemina’s absence confirmed, there might be no better time for the 24-year-old to shine.

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