July 24, 2015 13:46:00 UK
Ronald Koeman has indicated that he will bring at least one new central defender to Southampton as soon as possible.
Koeman’s plans for the new campaign have been hit by the news that Florin Gardos faces at least six months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Saints are already low on numbers defensively as Toby Alderweireld opted to move to Tottenham rather than return to St Mary’s on a permanent deal earlier in the summer.
It’s very sad news about Gardos. With that type of injury you lose six or seven months and everybody is disappointed.
Ronald Koeman
Romanian defender Gardos moved to Saints 12 months ago but only started five Premier League matches for the club last season.
However, his absence means Koeman only has two experienced central defenders, Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida, to choose from.
Southampton are 2.37 to beat Newcastle United in their first Premier League encounter of the season on 9th August and are 1.28 to finish in the top half of the Premier League table in 2015/16.
Koeman said: “That’s the priority, to bring in one or maximum two centre-backs. It’s too small with Maya and Jose. We are working on bringing in a new player as quickly as possible.
“It’s very sad news about Gardos. With that type of injury you lose six or seven months and everybody is disappointed.”
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