Ralph Hasenhüttl believes Will Smallbone may eventually turn the disappointment of his injury setback into a long-term good, as the midfielder begins the process of recovery from ACL damage sustained in last weekend’s game against Leicester City.
Smallbone was forced off during the second half at King Power Stadium, with scans later confirming the depth of the injury and putting the 20-year-old on the sidelines for up to six months.
It was a tragic twist of fate for the Academy graduate, who was demonstrating the breadth of his talent in his 13th appearance for the first team.
“It is the worst message you can get to be out for such a long time,” said the Saints manager. “I think he showed he wanted to play further and didn’t want to step off, and this shows the willing he has and finally to step off is tough for him, but we will work with him.
“I think he should use the time now for working on his physical deficits he has. He has now time to work on his body.
“Such an injury can also be a chance for coming back stronger, because you work on the deficits you have. Sometimes these push backs are a good chance for making a bigger step forward.”
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