Southampton's Gabbiadini to miss Bournemouth clash with groin problem

Forward Manolo Gabbiadini has failed to recover from a groin injury in time to feature against Bournemouth on Saturday, Southampton manager Claude Puel confirmed.

The 25-year-old was forced to withdraw from the Italy squad and miss the country's World Cup qualifying win over Albania as a result of the effects from the injury he suffered during Southampton's 2-1 loss to Tottenham on March 19.

Although he'll watch from the sidelines Saturday, Puel is optimistic that Gabbiadini has a chance to be available for the Saints' next fixture against Crystal Palace on April 5.

"I think that Gabbiadini cannot play this game,” Puel said. "He is not available, but we will see for the next one. For the other players, I hope and think it’s ok.

"I will see this afternoon, because I haven’t been able to see some of our international players, like Long, Stephens, Boufal, Sims, McQueen - many players.

Gabbiadini has performed superbly since joining Southampton from Napoli in January, scoring six goals in five appearances in all competitions.