Southampton centre back Armel Bella-Kotchap, who is out on loan, is set to be out for the rest of the year with a shoulder injury.
The 21-year-old is currently out on loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where he has struggled, only making three appearances in the Eredivisie so far this season, with them say top of the league, winning every game so far this season.
This is not the first time the German has sustained this injury, with this now being his fourth time having it.
Last season he had this injury, missing five games for Saints as they finished bottom of the Premier League.
He had taken individual conditioning over the summer with physios at Southampton before his late summer move to Holland.
Bella-Kotchap himself has also confirmed that he has undergone surgery on his shoulder.
He posted on his Instagram after his surgery, saying: “Hard times are what champions are made of. I will be back soon by God’s Grace. Thank you to my family and friends who are supporting me on this journey.”
According to Dutch outlet Rik Elfrink, Bella-Kotchap’s shoulder injury is set to keep him out until 2024.
Bella-Kotchap injury could hinder his Euro 2024 chances
Bella-Kotchap had been linked with a return to Germany all summer, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both said to be interested.
He left Saints on deadline day to fulfil his desire to play at the highest level, in order to get into Germany’s squad for Euro 2024.
However, he has only made five appearances in the league and the Champions League combined.
Sadly for him, this injury will certainly not help his case, and so he will need a big second half of the season in order to force how say in the Germany squad.