Manager Ivan Juric has confirmed that Jan Bednarek and Will Smallbone will be unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League match against Wolves.
Jan Bednarek will miss Southampton’s clash with Wolves due to concussion protocols following his injury against Liverpool last weekend.
The Polish defender was still experiencing symptoms on Tuesday, making him ineligible to play under the mandatory six-day rule.
Meanwhile, Will Smallbone, who netted his first Premier League goal at Anfield, will remain sidelined with a groin issue. The Republic of Ireland international has already endured two injury spells this season and previously admitted he fears his Premier League chances may be slipping away.
Manager Ivan Juric confirmed their absences, stating: “Jan Bednarek will not be available due to strict concussion protocols. He hasn’t recovered as quickly as I hoped because he needs to meet the criteria every day. He still felt pain on Tuesday, and in England, concussion rules are very strict.”
Juric also provided an update on Smallbone’s condition, explaining that while the midfielder has impressed since his return, his physicality remains an area for improvement.
“I think Will did really well against Chelsea and Liverpool in the first half,” Juric said. “Technically, he is very good, and he understands the game well. However, his physicality isn’t at a high level, and that’s an area we’re working on in the gym. He needs to be more aggressive in duels, and with his technique and vision, he has the potential to develop into a solid Premier League player.”
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