Koeman confirms Clasie absence

Posted Friday, August 14, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has revealed that Jordy Clasie will miss the visit of Everton on Saturday as he faces up to three weeks out with an ankle injury.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has revealed that Jordy Clasie will miss the visit of Everton on Saturday as he faces up to three weeks out with an ankle injury.

The off-season signing from Feyenoord had only just recovered from a hamstring problem, but he's back on the treatment table after suffering ankle ligament damage whilst playing for the Saints Under-21s on Monday.

Clasie is joined on the sidelines by on-loan QPR defender Steven Caulker, who is battling with a sinus infection, while Koeman must also do without injured trio Ryan Bertrand, Fraser Forster and Florin Gardos.

Koeman himself only returned to the training ground on Thursday, having undergone surgery on his ankle last week, and he confirmed the absence of new boys Clasie and Caulker for this weekend's home clash against the Toffees.

"It's a pity, because we have some injuries already in the beginning of the season," the Dutchman admitted.

"Jordy Clasie was back from his hamstring injury and he needed to play 60 minutes for the U21s against Manchester City on Monday, but he now has an ankle ligament injury. He

will be out for two or three weeks.

"We still have Ryan Bertrand not available, and of course Fraser Forster and Florin Gardos we know about. Also, Steven Caulker is not available for the weekend. He has picked up a sinus infection and he had some medication.

"He's not in a good physical shape for this weekend, but we hope he will return for Thursday (Europa League tie against FC Midtjylland)."

Commenting on his own fitness, Koeman said: "My injury is OK. I had last Friday my operation and it went well.

"I'm not so comfortable at this moment, I can't be part of the training sessions on the pitch. But I'm happy to be back and to have the contact with the players and staff.

That's good."