Southampton forced to wait as Jay Rodriguez suffers injury setback
Friday 19 December 2014 05:57, UK
Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a long-term knee injury.
The 25-year-old has not played since rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament at Manchester City in April - an injury which ruled him out of the World Cup - and underwent further surgery last month to clear out his knee.
Manager Ronald Koeman had hoped to have the player back by the end of the year, but is now not expecting Rodriguez to play before February.
"He had to make a step back in his recovery," he said. "That was a pity because I remember when we spoke about the squad in the pre-season I said Jay will be like a fantastic signing for December or January and he isn't.
"All these kind of unlucky moments are part of the difficult time that we have.
"After a big injury, you don't have to rush. He needs time and we give him the time to come back, but it's a pity because he's a great player.
"It's always difficult now because it's not good to fix on a special date to come back. He's now making steps forwards and he needs more time and that's the most important.
"To fix a date makes pressure on the player and the medical staff. He will not be available before the end of January," he added. "No, no."
