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.