Mario Lemina, Southampton
by
Austin Ditlhobolo
Tuesday Dec 12, 2017. 16:00
The 24-year-old central midfielder hit the ground running after joining English Premier League (EPL) side Southampton from Italian Serie A giants Juvenus last August.
However, Lemina sustained an ankle injury which ruled him out for over a month. He has made one start since making his return from his injury.
Denmark international Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has been preferred ahead of Lemina in central midfield.
Højbjerg was one of Southampton’s star players as they drew 1-1 with Arsenal in a league match on Sunday, while Lemina was an unused substitute.
HITC has since reported that Højbjerg is likely to start ahead of Lemina when Southampton take on Leicester City in a league game on Wednesday.
“Given the encouragement that the Saints will have taken from that performance, it would not be a surprise if (Mauricio) Pellegrino (Southampton coach) limited the changes for the game against the Foxes.
“That may mean that the likes of Jack Stephens and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - who were both exceptional against the Gunners - keep their places in the team, while Jeremy Pied and Mario Lemina remain on the bench.
“The one change may come further forward with Sofiane Boufal replacing James Ward-Prowse in attacking midfield.
“On his day, Boufal is capable of making things happen out of nothing, but of course, Ward-Prowse's brilliant set-piece deliveries would mean that it would not be a surprise if he kept his place either,” a statement read.
Lemina has made 10 league appearances for the Saints this season.
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