Leicester City vs Southampton: Three Takeaway Thoughts from the Match

Leicester City's English midfielder James Maddison (R) shoots to score the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Southampton at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on January 16, 2021. (Photo by Alex Pantling / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ALEX PANTLING/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton (Photo by Tim Keeton – Pool/Getty Images) /

Saints need to bring in reinforcements during the window

It is safe to say that Southampton are enduring one of the worst injury crises in the Premier League currently. With several key players missing, the squad is stretched to the limit and without an addition or two in January, it could prove a painful second half of the season.

Although there are a few decent prospects lurking in the wings from the academy, a bench against which comprised of mainly under 21s, did not bode well for Hasenhuttl. During the Leicester game, opposite number Rogers could call upon established stars such as Perez or Iheanacho to reinforce his side, whilst Southampton were limited solely to the experience of Shane Long.

Still a willing runner at 33 years old, Long no longer carries the effect he has in years gone by and with the exception of N’Lundulu, there was precious little in Hasenhuttl’s armoury to call on at the King Power. With Southampton’s financial resources limited and seemingly finite, it may be necessary to delve into the loan market to solve the immediate problem.

Could Demarai Gray provide a short term solution? Possibly but another experienced striker to call upon might well be the answer. With Graziano Pelle leaving China, one would imagine there have been a few Southampton fans looking longingly to the Italian Adonis and wishing Saints had a player of his calibre and physical stature available.