Southampton: Ralph gives Danny Ings fitness update after latest injury

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has provided a fitness update on Danny Ings after the striker picked up his latest injury at Sheffield United.

Ings was taken off early in Saints’ vital win at Bramall Lane yesterday and now looks set for a spell on the sidelines that means he will miss some important games.

Speaking to southamptonfc.com after the game on Saturday, Hasenhuttl said:

"“I think it was again a muscle problem, but it doesn’t look good to be honest.“I don’t know when we will have him. Muscle injuries we are normally waiting for a minimum of four weeks I think, so we will have a look.”"

Other Southampton players will have to step up in Ings’ absence

Given that he is the most natural finisher at the club right now, Ings will be a miss and this latest injury issue stretches a tight squad once more.

However, Ralph Hasenhuttl was quick to praise the performances of others yesterday and Saints could have ready-made replacements to keep the positive results coming.

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Nathan Tella put in a performance that saw Sheffield United worried all afternoon.

Hasenhuttl noted that the forward is not easy to defend when he plays as a striker and his runs in behind the home backline created plenty of chances – one break beyond the defenders won the penalty that saw James Ward-Prowse open the scoring.

Che Adams came on to replace Danny Ings and also put in a showing that proves he can step up in his team’s time of need.

Despite his superb early season form and regular place in the starting line-up, Adams had looked to be lacking confidence in recent weeks. However, one moment changed that and saw him become a presence upfront for the rest of Saturday’s game.

When Stuart Armstrong chested down to the striker just outside the area, it looked a difficult chance to score from with a bouncing ball. This did not stop Adams from hitting a beautifully clean half-volley into the top corner and ultimately making the three points safe for this side.

Games continue to come thick and fast and, although some rotation can be expected at Manchester City in midweek, Tella and Adams may be the combination to bring joy in the coming weeks.