Ranieri responds to question on Watford's plan vs Southampton without Super Eagles striker

Published: October 28, 2021

Manager Claudio Ranieri will not be able to count on the services of Emmanuel Dennis for his side's Premier League meeting with Southampton at The Vic on Saturday, October 30.

The Nigeria international will miss the visit of Southampton through suspension.

Against Everton at Goodison Park, he received his fifth yellow card of the season for a late challenge on Richarlison in the 70th minute, automatically triggering a one-match ban.

Prior to the trip to Merseyside, Dennis was yellow carded in matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Leeds United.

The former Club Brugge star made a huge impact after coming off the bench vs Everton, setting up two of the three goals netted by Josh King before wrapping up the scoring in stoppage time.

Asked at Thursday's press conference how much he will miss Dennis and if he has a plan without the striker, Ranieri told reporters : "Yes of course I'll miss him but I'm sure whoever plays in his position I am sure he can do very well."

William Troost-Ekong, who has earned two yellow cards in nine Premier League games, is available for selection against the Saints but Oghenkaro Etebo is rehabbing following surgery on a quad injury.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com