Virgil van Dijk's Southampton season in doubt, Claude Puel says
Thursday 30 March 2017 14:18, UK
Virgil van Dijk's season could be over, according to Southampton manager Claude Puel.
The Saints captain has not played since injuring an ankle during a January 22 Premier League game against Leicester.
Puel said at the start of February he expected Van Dijk to miss "two or three months", but that timescale has apparently been revised.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's meeting with Bournemouth Puel said: "It's a long injury. We will see if he comes back before end of season. It's a long injury for him."
The Frenchman went on to describe his centre-half as "the best defender in the Premier League" and said the latest injury bulletin would have no bearing on whether he leaves in the summer.
St Mary's director Les Reed warned off potential suitors in January amid reports of interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton.
And Puel said: "The injury doesn't change anything. He is important player. He is captain and it's important he takes his role with good attitude. It's a new role for him and he needs to show experience and maturity and improve with us.
"We know he's a good player, the best defender in the Premier League, but playing with us will give him quality for the future."
Manolo Gabbiadini will miss the Bournemouth game and Charlie Austin is three weeks away from returning, according to Puel, who said he had spoken to Dusan Tadic about comments made in the press earlier this month.
Tadic said it was "unbelievable" he had been substituted during Saints' defeat at Tottenham.
"We have sorted it internally with calm," Puel said. "He knows it was not a good response. It's always better to give an answer on the pitch and not outside."
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
