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Southampton have been hit with a major injury blow, with Michael Obafemi set to miss three more weeks of action.
The Saints winger sustained a hamstring injury on December 22 in the 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town, and has missed encounters with West Ham, Manchester City, Chelsea and Leicester City, as well as the FA Cup tie against Derby County.
What’s the word?
Obafemi has burst onto the scene this season, becoming an exciting weapon in the Saints’ attacking arsenal.
However, fate struck a cruel blow when Obafemi picked up the hamstring injury, having scored the third goal in the Saints’ 3-1 win.
The 18-year-old had previously made five Premier League appearances, including an impressive run-out against Manchester United in which he laid on an assist in a 2-2 draw.
This news, however, means he will miss clashes against Everton, Crystal Palace and Burnley as the Saints approach the crunch period of their season.
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Hasenhuttl’s men are currently 16th in the Premier League, just one point clear of the drop zone, and the game against the Clarets has added significance, with Sean Dyche’s men one place and two points above them.
There is better news in the striking department, however, as Danny Ings is fit to play against Everton after missing the 2-1 win over Leicester.
Hasenhuttl said, per Daily Echo: “Ingsy looks good for the weekend and should start tomorrow with the team for his first training session.
“But Obafemi looks worse and will take longer – three more weeks.”
Awful news
The bottom of the table is starting to look awfully tight, and every team needs an advantage.
Obafemi offered that intoxicating blend of pace and skill, and he will be sorely missed by Hasenhuttl’s side.
They have won just four times this season, but they do appear to be on the up; they defeated Leicester last time out and also earned a point against Chelsea.
But we are now approaching crunch time.
In their next four league games, Southampton face Everton, who are 10th, Crystal Palace, who lie 14th, Burnley, in 15th, and Cardiff, in 17th.
Hasenhuttl will be hoping for at least three wins, and that task will be made all the harder without the trickery of Obafemi to call upon.