Player Spotlight: Mario Lemina - Gabon star could start against Manchester City

Manchester United's Marouane Fellani (L) and Southampton's Mario Lemina in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at Saint Mary's Stadium in Southampton, Britain, 23 September 2017.

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday Nov 28, 2017. 16:00

The highly-rated central midfielder made his first competitive appearance for his club Southampton in just over month on Sunday.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino introduced Lemina with 12 minutes left as the Saints beat Everton 4-1 in an English Premier League game at home.
The Gabonese international has recovered well from an ankle injury which he sustained after facing West Bromwich Albion in a league game on the 21st of October 2017.

Lemina has been one of the Saints’ best players this season having joined the club from Italian Serie A giants Juventus prior to the current campaign.

The Saints provided an injury update ahead of their away league game with high-flying Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
A club statement read: “Mauricio Pellegrino has no injury concerns for his team's Premier League trip to Manchester City, with long-term absentee Matt Targett the only player set to skip Wednesday's encounter.

“The Argentine has practically a full squad to choose from at the Etihad Stadium, with Mario Lemina having made his first appearance in just over month from the substitute's bench against Everton on Sunday.

“Lemina completed the final 12 minutes of Southampton's comprehensive 4-1 victory over the Toffees, his first sight of action since the home meeting with West Bromwich Albion on 21 October.

“Saints' midfield options are set to be boosted further by the return of Oriol Romeu after a one-match suspension.”

Lemina, 24, has made eight league appearances for Southampton this season.