Blow for Hasenhuttl: Southampton without ‘big threat’ today as pre-Everton injury news shared

As an injury update is shared before their clash with Everton this afternoon, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl will be without promising attacker Nathan Tella in a blow for the Saints.

The south coast side have enjoyed a solid run of games in all competitions since the end of January, even earning a brilliant 1-1 draw at home to Premier League frontrunners Man City in that time.

More hard-earned results followed soon after with Hasenhuttl’s side going on to earn a shock 3-2 victory away to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham and a 1-1 draw at Man United just three days later.

Now, Southampton return to action at St. Mary’s and play host to Everton as their new boss Frank Lampard aims to put the Rafael Benitez era well and truly behind them.

However, as confirmed by Hasenhuttl, he’ll be without sensation Tella for today’s 3pm bout.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Saints’ boss has said that the 22-year-old has suffered a ‘setback’ in his recovery and won’t feature this afternoon.

“So far, nearly everybody in the sessions,” he explained when giving an injury update (via Hampshire Live).

“Nathan Tella is still out, he had a bit of a setback with his injury, it will take another week I think, maybe.”

Tella’s bright form for Southampton when available has earned attention from both Hasenhuttl and those within the club.

Indeed, Saints chiefs took note of Tella’s performances by rewarding him with a new three-and-a-half-year contract, while his manager has sung the praises of Tella in interviews.

The Austrian labelled his starlet a ‘big threat‘ at times and it’s safe to say his numbers back this – with WhoScored revealing that Tella has attracted the joint-most Premier League fouls per 90 out of Southampton’s squad.

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