Veteran Saint Kyle Walker-Peters is ill and will be a doubt to make it to the Southampton squad against Everton.
The other day, Southampton's post-match celebrations had everything: A brilliant occasion, the fans, and all the players and staff united, except one. Yet, this single absence spoke volumes during the celebrations.
It was none other than Saints veteran Kyle Walker-Peters.
For the 28-year-old, who has quietly been Southampton's x-factor on both ends of the pitch for 5 years now, fate was cruel to deny him that moment. After all, arguably, he deserved that celebration more than anyone else.
Yet, if the player's absence against Man City wasn't enough to dishearten the Saints supporters, Walker-Peters is tipped to miss another big fixture.
Next up, Southampton have the best opportunity to avenge David Moyes' jab by gatecrashing Everton's farewell plans at Goodison Park. But sadly, even if they accomplish the mission, the Saints face the prospect of missing Walker-Peters again due to illness.
Simon Rusk issues frightening Walker-Peters' absence claim
Recently, as quoted by the Daily Echo, interim Simon Rusk talked of the full-back's situation, saying: "Kyle had the illness last week, and he hasn't trained much this week, so there'll be a decision to be made."
Honestly, this Simon Rusk comment makes it certain that Bree will have another chance in Walker-Peters' role to push for his starting ambitions.
But the bigger fear for Saints fans isn’t Walker-Peters missing this Everton clash, it’s the thought of him leaving without a proper farewell.
Noticeably, for the 28-year-old who has barely missed games this season, isn’t it intriguing that his only absences come right at the end? That, too, when a next game absence against Arsenal could end Walker-Peters' tenure in a Southampton shirt amidst his confirmed departure.
Obviously, no Southampton fan would want to see the 28-year-old club hero see out his Saints time without a farewell. But maybe fate has other plans for us fans who have witnessed such a departure for icon Adam Lallana already?