Southampton vs Tottenham turns into war ground with four injuries in first half
Injury time is traditionally added on at the end of a half, but the entire opening 45 minutes of Southampton's clash against Tottenham Hotspur could have been labelled just that.
This was a fixture which had huge significance in the battle for survival and the race for the top four. However, the first 45 minutes was heavily disrupted, as injuries forced both sides into two very early substitutions.
Richarlison was the first patient of the afternoon after he was forced to limp off after only three minutes. However, things only got worse.
Read More: Richarlison on brink of tears after early injury in Tottenham's game at Southampton
The Brazilian forward looked crestfallen when he had to depart the game so early. Antonio Conte offered him a handshake, as did Southampton manager Ruben Selles.
Fortunately, the former Watford and Everton man did not have to wait ten minutes to be joined in the treatment room, as Saints ace Armek Bella-Kotchap also had to depart prematurely. Both teams enjoyed a 26 minute spell where there were no injuries or substitutions.
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However, just like London buses, two more came almost at once. Former Southampton captain Jan Bednarek collided with current Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse and was left reeling on the floor.
The Polish international then left the pitch clutching his ribs, making way for former Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Bednarek had barely left the pitch before Tottenham suffered their second injury of the half. Ben Davies went to ground and looked uncomfortable.
He too made an early exit, joining Richarlison on the injury table, while Ivan Perisic came in to fill the void. Both managers were left with one more period for substitutions after the dramatic opening 45 minutes.
The drama could carry on deep into next week as Conte and Selles await to see the extent to which those injuries will affect their plans.
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