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Southampton: Mario Lemina set to miss to Burnley game

By Chris Hughes

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Mario Lemina of Southampton attempts to get past Peter Crouch of Stoke City during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Bet365 Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Mario Lemina of Southampton attempts to get past Peter Crouch of Stoke City during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Bet365 Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s talented midfielder Mario Lemina looks set to miss his second successive game for the Saints, as he continues to recover from injury.

Last week Mauricio Pellegrino revealed that the Gabonese powerhouse had suffered an ankle injury and would be unavailable for selection – his absence was defintely felt against Brighton.

This morning reports have emerged to suggest that the Saints will NOT force the 24-year-old back into contention before the international break, whether he makes a full return to fitness or not.

The Saints have a difficult run-in between now and the new year, facing every team that finished above them last year – including the reverse fixture against Manchester United on the 30th of December.

With a match-up against Liverpool to come after the international break, Pellegrino will be desperate for his star midfielder to be fit. It’s therefore suggested that the Argentine won’t risk anything by playing him against Burnley this weekend.

The news may worry Southampton fans, with the Saints struggling – and failing – to hold onto their 1-0 lead at the AMEX this past weekend. Steven Davis helped the side to an early advantage before Glenn Murray scored a header early into the second half.

However the risk of Lemina being out for even longer than a well-timed international break would be a much worse outcome. After the Burnley game, the Saints finish the month with games against Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City.

Lemina has been arguably Southampton’s player of the season so far this campaign, averaging a 91-percent passing accuracy and completing just over 2.5 successful dribbles per game.

Despite failing to add a goal or an assist to his game so far, the 24-year-old has been that vital link between defense and offense, picking the ball up deep and bringing to forward to prevent the Saints’ attackers from getting isolated. He was sorely missed against Brighton.

Hopefully the Saints can rally together against a tough Burnley midfield this weekend – kick-off is 3:00 PM Saturday at St. Mary’s.

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