Lanzini update

Manu Lanzini has suffered a muscle strain and is a hopeful rather than expected starter for the match against Southampton at the weekend.

The club has been told by the Argentine national team medics over the last few minutes that the scan he has undergone showed no breaks, fractures or tears but that the muscle is strained and needs rest.

There remain hopes the midfielder can make it for the London Stadium clash but at this stage nobody is overly optimistic based on the reports they have received.

Should he be sidelined Arthur Masuaku’s likely return could provide a supply line for Marko Arnautovic and Michael Antonio who would be expected to form the front line with Joao Mario playing off them.

With James Collins still only fifty/fifty to recover from a hamstring a decision will be taken nearer the match WITH Declan Rice likely to get the call to slot into the defence alongside Aneglo Ogbonna.