As Southampton takes a slender 1-0 advantage to Anfield after the first leg of their semi-final tie, they will likely be doing so without their rock at the back. Virgil van Dijk, the man given the captain’s armband for the match with Leicester, came away from a clash with Jamie Vardy with an ankle injury.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Claude Puel has said “I don’t know if we can recover him” in regards to the talismanic Dutch center back. With van Dijk in the side, the Saints looked like fairly good bets to hold onto their lead in which they earned almost a fortnight ago.
Without him, Southampton look hollow and leaderless. Especially now that Jose Fonte has gone, they are very short at the back. So short, in fact, that they may have to turn to young Jack Stephens to partner Maya Yoshida for Wednesday’s match. Stephens did an admirable job against a terrible Leicester, mind you.
This really would be a massive blow to the Saints, as they are in a good position heading to Anfield given their lead and Liverpool’s recent form. But this isn’t the end of the world. They are still a very formidable and organized side, and they will expect to withstand tremendous amounts of pressure come midweek.
