Friday 15 January 2016 15:52, UK
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman would not be drawn on the future of Victor Wanyama after refusing to confirm the unsettled midfielder would return to the side to face West Brom on Saturday.
Wanyama missed the 2-0 win over Watford on Wednesday through suspension following his red card in the 1-0 defeat to Norwich on January 2.
But the 24-year-old, who admitted last week he will consider his future in May, may not walk straight back into the side with Oriol Romeu drawing praise for his performance against the Hornets in midweek.
When asked if Wanyama would play against West Brom, Koeman said: "As always, I will tell the players before the press, but we have real competition in the squad.
"He is okay. He was suspended, did his training sessions and is a player of Southampton.
"I don't speak about rumours every day in the press, because it's not necessary to tell everybody the same answer."
Koeman also reaffirmed his determination to keep Graziano Pelle at the club following newspaper reports linking the striker with Juventus.
"He is totally involved in Southampton and I read also the newspapers, but that's your business, my business is to prepare the team and Graziano is a Southampton player."
Koeman was more forthcoming on the future of Gaston Ramirez, who could leave the club in January after being told he does not feature in the Dutchman's plans.
The 25-year-old, a £12m signing in the summer of 2012, has made just five appearances this season, with four of those coming from the bench late in games.
And Koeman said: "He's ending his contract and is not in the plans for the future of the club."
When asked about links to Championship side Middlesbrough, he added: "I don't know, maybe."
Southampton have scored six goals in their last two home league games - including a 4-0 win over Arsenal - but Koeman expects a tough afternoon against Tony Pulis' side.
"In the last two home games we created a lot of chances - the four goals against Arsenal was a big result - last Wednesday the team performance was very good and we need that level to beat West Brom. It's difficult.
"In the last three games we didn't score any goals against them, they are strong defensively, very well organised and it's tough to score goals."
