Setback for Ralph: Southampton without another 'big' player alongside Lyanco vs NUFC

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been dealt a setback ahead of tonight’s crunch Premier League clash with Newcastle United as an injury update emerges.

Hasenhuttl’s men have started 2022 in fine fashion, losing just two matches out of 11 in all competitions, including impressive results against the likes of Man City, Tottenham and Man United in the Premier League and West Ham in the FA Cup (Transfermarkt).

However, after their most recent result, a dismal 4-0 defeat away to Aston Villa, the Saints will be looking to immediately get back on track with a solid result against the resurgent Newcastle United.

Southampton could be boosted by the potential return of defender Mohammed Salisu who is back in contention after missing the last two games with a hamstring problem.

Although, it appears Hasenhuttl must do without one bright attacking option in Nathan Tella alongside defender Lyanco who is also still unavailable.

Indeed, Tella won’t feature in Southampton’s clash at St. Mary’s this evening despite his appearances in training recently.

In a setback for Hasenhuttl, as relayed by the BBC, the 22-year-old is still not ready regardless of his return to the grass.

Tella, as a result, will miss the Newcastle game alongside Lyanco.

As the Magpies travel south on a hot streak of form, Southampton’s efforts to halt their momentum tonight would have been boosted by having Tella as an option.

Alas, with the starlet still unavailable, Hasenhuttl won’t be able to count on his dynamism or bright attacking play off the bench.

According to WhoScored, the Englishman has attracted more fouls per 90 than any Saints player in the Premier League on average whilst also completing more dribbles per 90 than regulars like Nathan Redmond