Arsenal vs Southampton: Ronald Koeman could be without striker Graziano Pelle for Emirates visit

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman could be without four players for their visit to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Tuesday (2 February). The manager has confirmed that the injury situation is the same as before their previous Premier League clash against Manchester United on 23 January.

The Saints are looking for their fourth consecutive win in the league and have already recorded a 4-0 win over the Gunners on Boxing Day this season. Steven Davis, Jay Rodriguez and Florin Gardos have been ruled out for the trip, and Graziano Pelle remains doubtful as he has still not recovered from a knee injury sustained earlier in the campaign.

Shane Long, who was the architect in Southampton's victory over Arsenal earlier in the season, is likely to lead the line, but could have competition from Charlie Austin. The English forward, who arrived on a £4m ($5.7m) deal from Queens Park Rangers during the recently concluded winter transfer window, has already made an impact, including scoring the only goal during their 1-0 win over United at Old Trafford after coming off the bench. The manager has indicated that he could start his first game for the St Mary's outfit depending on his fitness levels.

"Still the same players are out — Steven Davis is still out with not a big hamstring problem. He needs some more time. He's not available for tomorrow (Tuesday)," Koeman said, as quoted by Southampton's official site.

"Jay Rodriguez is also not available. He's coming back and is close to being part of the training sessions with the rest of the team."

"Florin Gardos is still out and Graziano Pellè is better than he was. We have to make a decision if he's really 100 per cent to play," the Dutchman added.

"That's possible, because he showed his quality. If he's really 100 per cent fit after the period he was out before, then it's a possibility he will start," Koeman concluded.