Southampton boss Ivan Juric has hinted at a possible ankle injury to Tyler Dibling. As a result, he had to be substituted off against Manchester United.
It's wise to say Southampton's ongoing Premier League campaign has been a mammoth streak of winless games. Still, the recent defeat against Manchester United hurts differently.
From being a goal ahead to ultimately being smashed out of the fixture in the end, it was a night to forget for the Saints. Aptly, Southampton players, and especially, Aaron Ramsdale looked so disheartened.
If it wasn't enough, this matchday ended with another agony for the club.
In the 63rd minute, Southampton's biggest find of the season, Tyler Dibling, was forced off the field due to discomfort. Nobody knew earlier that it would just be the beginning of a nightmare for the Saints.
Given the kind of season the youngster has had, Dibling's injury could be a heavy blow to Southampton. And it was clear from Ivan Juric's reaction, who seemed visibly upset looking at the 18-year-old.
Ivan Juric discusses Tyler Dibling's substitution amid injury fears
Post match, Juric was asked about Dibling's injury assessment. As quoted by the Daily Echo, Juric said: "We will see tomorrow. He had a problem with his ankle."
As it seems from Juric's response, Southampton may have to play a substantial part of the remaining season without Dibling.
If that happens, Southampton's slim hopes for a relegation escape could be over. In an otherwise goal-scarce campaign, Dibling had been leading the score charts for them, implying his importance upfront.
But, what feels even more distressing is that Dibling might get sidelined at the worst stage. With a brace against Swansea, he had thrived in the new attacking role under Ivan Juric, and now this misfortune happened.
Still, there remains a ray of hope with his medical reports yet to come. Let's just pray that it turns out to be only a mild knock.