Erol pre-Southampton | A great opportunity
Erol Bulut spoke to the press to preview our Sky Bet Championship clash against Southampton on Saturday.
The City boss began with an injury update on his squad.
“It’s not nice, but right now, we have 12 injuries,” Erol began. “This weekend, we will not have a few players because of sickness or strains.
“Perry Ng has a strain. For him, the season is over, it looks like that. Karlan Grant will not be with us this weekend.
“Jamilu Collins might also not be with us with a groin problem. Ryan Wintle still has a problem with his ankle.
“Aaron Ramsey, Jak Alnwick, Kion Etete are still out. Callum Robinson and Josh Bowler are sick, so they won’t be with us at the weekend.”
In our recent victory over Birmingham City, Cian Ashford came on to make his Sky Bet Championship debut and also featured against Millwall.
Erol continued: “It looks like we will have four or five U21 players with us to fill the squad. I always say that if I have 11 players on the field, we can play and we will give our best to show our best.
“Last time, we used youngsters to see them and how they adapt. At the weekend, maybe we will use more of them. It is a good opportunity for them. We have three more games, so they can show if they can adapt on that level. It will be a good point for the next season for those guys.”
Southampton are currently fourth in the table, with remaining hopes of an automatic promotion spot.
The Saints claimed a convincing 3-0 win in midweek, as they defeated Preston North End.
“For us, of course it will be a good motivation to play against Southampton,” Erol added. “They are one of those teams who are in the Play-Offs, who are pushing maybe to go direct to the Premier League.
“They are very close, they have played one game less than the top teams. Of course, they will try to get points here, but even if we have a lesser squad, we will try to make it as difficult as possible to get points from our side.”