Rodriguez suffers 'setback' in recovery

With plenty of absences among first-team squad members, Ronald Koeman sorely needs a healthy body right now. Especially with the busy festive period coming up.

However, Jay Rodriguez won't be joining the team anytime soon.

The 25-year old has been sidelined since April after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which also ended his hope of making England's World Cup squad in the summer. Initial assessment points to December as the likely return date, but now it has been suggested that Rodriguez will be out for a further six weeks.

According to Koeman:

"He had to make a step back in his recovery."

"That was a pity because I remember when we spoke about the squad in the pre-season I said Jay will be a fantastic signing for December and January and he isn't."

Part of Southampton's problem during the losing streak has been the lack of goals, with the team only managing to score once in five games.

Graziano Pellè, Southampton's chief goal-getter has been on a dry spell as he has only managed to score once in the last eight games. This after the Italian has scored eight in his first 10 games.

Other than Pellè, there isn't much option behind him. Shane Long, another summer signing, has only managed to score three goals. In fact, other than Pellè, none of The Saints' squad has scored more than five goals.

"I think now, in this situation, he will not be available before the end of January,"

"No, no."

While Rodriguez won't cure Southampton's ailment straightaway, it surely would benefit the side as he can replace Pellè in short spells off the bench and give him a breather (Pellè has played 90 plus minutes each game since last being substituted against Sunderland in October).

For now, let's hope Long and Mayuka can find the goal between now until Rodriguez's return.