The worst is behind James Ward-Prowse – Winter break helps the Saints

Southampton and manager Ralph Hasenhüttl can count their blessings even though they got knocked out of the FA Cup. The loss of the cup is less important than a Premier League stay this season.

Bad fortune turns into a bit of good luck for James Ward-Prowse, after news the graphic images were a far bigger scare than the actual severity of the injury itself. What appeared to be a leg break or ligament damage, is said to be nothing more than a deep cut to the knee.

The Saint’s boss Hasenhüttl was talking of his delight in the matter and having a vital component available sooner rather than later is a lot better than losing a spot in the next round of the FA Cup and a quality player.

"I’m happy that Prowsey’s injury is not that bad. That would’ve been horrible – to lose the game and lose him for longer, so this is the positive thing. It’s only a cut on the knee – a deep one and you could see the bone, so it will take a little bit of time to heal, but if it was a ligament injury, it would be more of a problem for us. (via: southamptonfc.com)"

The significance of this news must not be underplayed. The Manager would have had horrid time fighting for a Top Flight stay if his main utility player suffered a horrid injury.