James Ward-Prowse forced off with illness at half-time of Bournemouth clash in huge blow to Southampton
SOUTHAMPTON star man James Ward-Prowse was forced off with a mystery illness in Thursday night’s relegation battle with Bournemouth.
The England midfielder was replaced at the interval.
And five minutes after the break Marcus Tavernier made things worse for the Saints by firing the visitors in front.
Lyanco came on for Ward-Prowse as Southampton struggled to impose themselves.
Some worried Saints fans reckoned JWP had looked “out of sorts” from the start.
And The Athletic’s reporter Jacob Tanswell tweeted: “James Ward-Prowse was ill before the game, hence his substitution at half time.”
One observer responded: “Why start him then. More mismanagement.”
And another one joked: “Sick of being part of this squad, presumably.”
Defeat would leave Southampton four points adrift at the bottom.
In contrast, Bournemouth would move seven points out of the drop zone if they triumph.
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That possible difference was reflected by each side’s performance.
The Saints, and their fans, appeared to lack belief.
The Cherries, meanwhile, showed composure and fluency.
But Bournemouth lost their in-form scorer Tavernier late on.
The 24-year-old midfielder limped off, looking gutted.