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Oliver Jones

Southampton injury update and predicted XI as James Ward-Prowse doubtful for Newcastle clash

Southampton might have to travel up to high-flying Newcastle United without star man and captain James Ward-Prowse as the England international combats a sickness bug.

The 28-year-old was forced to be substituted at halftime in the Saints' midweek match against Bournemouth due to a lack of energy amid coughing and chest issues the night before the match.

Southampton boss Ruben Selles wasn't happy with the situation as he spoke to BT Sport after the match, confirming that Ward-Prowse had an issue.

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"He had a bad night. He was coughing and there was some problems with his chest. At half-time it was too much for him, he was out of energy and we needed to take him off."

Selles did however reveal more positive news for Saints fans as centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap is set to return to the starting XI after picking up a knock.

"Armel will be fit for Sunday," Selles said in his pre-match press conference on Friday. "He was not ready to perform today [in training]."

Elsewhere, Mohamed Salisu is still recovering from a pelvic bone injury while Romain Perraud, Tino Livramento and Juan Larios are all set to miss out against the Magpies with issues.

Predicted Southampton XI (4-4-2): Bazunu; Maitland-Niles, Caleta-Car, Bella-Kotchap, Walker-Peters; Walcott, Lavia, Diallo, Sulemana; Adams, Alcaraz.

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