Claude Puel wants team response as Southampton face Boro without Charlie Austin
Claude Puel has challenged his Southampton squad to cope without injured striker Charlie Austin and produce a positive response to their Europa League disappointment.
Austin is set for a spell on the sidelines after being substituted in the first half of Thursda's 1-1 draw with Hapoel Be'er Sheva, which ended the Saints' hopes of progress to the knockout stage.
Puel said the extent of Austin's injury, to the same shoulder he has twice had surgery on, had not yet been fully assessed as his squad regrouped for Sunday's visit of Middlesbrough.
"He's not available for Sunday and we will see later what the full answer is and how long he will be out for," Puel said at a press conference.
"It is a disappointment for him because he has had a good first part of the season, but it's important for the team to have a good answer with a different offensive player.
"We will see the quality of other players. We are a group, a collective, and it is important to consider all of this, not individual things."
Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic could feature against Boro having come off the bench on Thursday night following his return from a broken nose, while Puel could also bring back captain Jose Fonte along with Jay Rodriguez and Sofiane Boufal.
Puel said: "It is a very important game now to come back with authority and with conviction, to get moving again in the Premier League with a good spirit."
Middlesbrough's attacking options could be stretched against Southampton with doubts over Alvaro Negredo, Gaston Ramirez and Jordan Rhodes.
Manager Aitor Karanka has not yet ruled anybody out but has been assessing the likes of Cristhian Stuani and David Nugent this week, should they be required against Saints.
"We have maybe a few injuries," he said. "Jordan Rhodes couldn't train, Gaston and Negredo couldn't train with the team, so let's see what happens."
One man who will be eager to get the nod is winger Adama Traore. The former Barcelona and Aston Villa man has started just five games this season but has caught the eye at times with his direct pace and power.
Yet the 20-year-old was an unused substitute in Monday's 1-0 win over Hull and Karanka offered no promises to him or any other player about their future role.
Karanka said: "In this team nobody is untouchable. The player who is playing knows if he doesn't perform well the following game he will be on the bench or in the stand because we have 26 who are ready to play."
Source: PAR
