Davis Out For Norwich Game ! Van Dijk And Bertrand Doubtful.!
Tuesday, 17th Jan 2017 11:32

Claude Puel may have no choice but to play the kids against Norwich City with three of his key players set to miss the game through injury.

Steven Davis will again be missing from the Saints line up as he has not yet recovered from the injury that kept him out of the Burnley game.

But more worrying is the news that both Virgil Van Dijk and Ryan Bertrand look set to be rested with minor knocks although no final decision will be made until the day.

That will leave Puel with a real problem in defence should both fail to pass muster, If Bertrand doesn't play then Sam McQueen could step into the breach as he has done ably this season and he should be good enough against a Championship side.

But the biggest problem is in the centre where he will only have one experienced central defender available should VVD not be fit.

His options in the centre to partner Yoshida would seem to be Martina who has played there during his time in Holland or Jack Stephens who had a successful time in that position during his loan spell at Swindon.

My money would be on Stephens, it is important to give him some game time in his normal position and normally this would be the ideal time to do it apart from our current situation and form which means that Puel must win this game or see the supporters turn on him further.

Other than these three and the long term injuries, Puel will have a full squad to pick from so should be able to send out a strong side that can tame the Canaries.

Photo: Action Images

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A1079 added 12:08 - Jan 17 Amazing how we have injuries and knocks just before the early stages of any cup related competitions..........
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RogerToye added 12:12 - Jan 17 need those guys for semi final we should see off Norwich with whatever side we put out just score more goals then them
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Bettwsresident added 12:13 - Jan 17 or rather after 3 games in 6 days....
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SanMarco added 12:15 - Jan 17 Of course any club with a CB as good as VVD will be considerably weakened if he doesn't play but it does show that our defensive strength has no depth at all to it. I just hope the key players stay fit and unsuspended. Sadly the league form means that this game has become 'c priority' - we OUGHT to still win though...
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ChannonFodder added 12:37 - Jan 17 Was worried this might happen. With Fonte's selection currently untenable we are very light in the CB department; though Stephens needs a chance and Gardos played 90 minutes for the u23s at the weekend, neither solution is ideal. Regardless, we won't get anyone in before Norwich anyway, so if van Dijk isn't fit one of them will have to step up. Good luck, lads!
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REEDYREEDOREEDZ added 14:18 - Jan 17

Surely its got to be Stephens to come in and play. He's nearly 23 years old and if he can't fill in against a Championship side then he shouldn't be at the club. What's the point of having him? He should be out on loan or sold if he can't provide cover. This guy is/was an Engalnd U21 player, I haven't seen him play much, but from what I'm told he's pretty good and got potential.
This situation does beg the question, what happens if VVD is ruled out for a long time? We would be in serious trouble. If we started shipping lots of goals, couple that with not scoring many, it spells disaster. The club need to get rid of Fonte and sign another top quality centre back asap.