Southampton defender Toby Alderweireld is facing a month on the sidelines with a hamstring strain, which may prompt a move into the transfer market by Ronald Koeman.
The 25-year-old has impressed since arriving on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid, but was forced off with the injury during the first-half of Sunday’s 1-0 win at Manchester United.
Alderweireld’s enforced absence leaves Saints boss Koeman short of cover in central defence, as Maya Yoshida is currently playing in the Asian Cup with Japan; Jose Fonte and Gardos are the only established centre-backs available at present.
Koeman said: “I don’t know (if we need to sign another centre half), we have to speak about that. We know that Maya will be away for some weeks, we know that.
“We knew already if we get some injuries then maybe it can be a problem but I think in our squad we can do some changes in positions to keep going.”
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