NATHAN Jones and Romeo Lavia have both moved to quash concerns over the Belgian’s fitness after an early substitution in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
The 19-year-old appeared to be forced off the field after 62 minutes of the EFL Cup quarter-final but his manager has confirmed his minutes were pre-planned.
Lavia had received treatment on the pitch before Moi Elyounoussi replaced him, having made only two starts this side of the World Cup break as he recovers from a muscle injury.
The previous concern kept him sidelined between August and November but he has shown on his return how important he is to the balance of the Saints midfield.
And that is why it was good news when Jones was asked if he was okay, and responded: “With Romeo Lavia, we were told there is a certain number of minutes he could do this week so he was always planned to do that.”
Lavia, enjoying celebrations after a mammoth victory over his former side in City, following a summer move to St Mary’s to find first team football, addressed supporters online.
On his personal Twitter account, he wrote: “I’m feeling fine, nothing to worry about, onto the weekend!”
Saints visit relegation rivals Everton on Saturday, January 14 (3PM), off the back of two consecutive cup wins but still bottom of the Premier League table.
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