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Southampton: Pellegrino yet to confirm Lemina fitness for Everton game

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Mario Lemina of Southampton and Grzegorz Krychowiak of West Bromwich Albion battle for possession during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Mario Lemina of Southampton and Grzegorz Krychowiak of West Bromwich Albion battle for possession during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has confirmed that Mario Lemina will face a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s game with Everton.

The Gabonese midfielder has been injured for just over a month, missing three games either side of the international break.

Lemina was sidelined in training and the Saints haven’t won since, with last week’s drubbing at the hands of Liverpool being a particularly strong kick to the teeth.

The 24-year-old’s potential absence would hurt even more if he doesn’t make the cut, with the Saints set to be without Oriol Romeu through a suspension. The defensive-midfielder has already tallied up five yellow cards for the season.

This Sunday Southampton face a manager-less Everton side who are seemingly no closer to bring in their full-time replacement for former-Saints gaffer Ronald Koeman. David Unsworth will therefore take charge once again, with the Toffees struggling to hit a solid run of form.

"“Mario is getting better, we will decide how we can organise the team. We’ve not decided yet. Most of the other players are okay. Matt Targett is the only player that will definitely be out as he still has an injury problem.” – Pellegrino"

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at Amex Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at Amex Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /

If Lemina doesn’t pass his late assessment and is forced to miss another game, it’ll provide Mauricio Pellegrino with a selection headache this Sunday.

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Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is an obvious option to deputize but the Danish midfielder isn’t especially physical, despite standing at six-foot-one. Him and Davis could face a tough task in dealing with Everton’s creative talent behind the striker.

James Ward-Prowse is another option, as is a change in formation. Playing three at the back and having a midfield four of Ryan Bertrand, Hojbjerg, Davis and Cedric seems much more appealing.

The only question that remains with that is whether Pellegrino is bold enough to make the change. Previously only a narrow diamond and 4-2-3-1 set-ups have been deployed by the Argentine, ever since the Saints lost using 3-4-2-1 in the Carabao Cup against Wolves.

All that’s certain is that with a game against the ruthless Manchester City just around the corner, a loss this weekend could prove the nail in the coffin for Pellegrino.

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