Rusk confirms Southampton duo remain out of his plans..
INTERIM boss Simon Rusk confirmed loanee Albert Gronbaek and defender Armel Bella-Kotchap remain out of his plans heading into the final two games of the season.
Gronbaek, on loan from French club Rennes, is available after recovering from injury, but appears to have played his final game for Saints.
The Denmark international has played just 143 minutes across four appearances since joining on loan in January.
His pathway into the first team has been blocked by Mateus Fernandes since his arrival, and the club look unlikely to activate his buy option.
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Albert Gronbaek’s final Saints start came at Liverpool.
Albert Gronbaek’s final Saints start came at Liverpool. (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)
READ: Saints reportedly interested in Scottish full-back as potential fee named
Bella-Kotchap has also made just four appearances this season, and has dropped back out of the squad since other defenders returned to fitness.
Asked if they have missed recent games due to selection rather than injury, Rusk told the Daily Echo: “Yeah, that’s fair.
“Albert has been dipping back in over the last couple of weeks. He had one or two issues with his Achilles, which might be one to think about over the next 10 days in training.
“We do have a lot of players to choose from at centre-back and there has been really good performances in the back three in recent weeks.
“It’s not easy, but Bella’s attitude in the past few weeks has been excellent. As a professional footballer at this level, you are paid to be robust with your disappointment.”
INTERIM boss Simon Rusk confirmed loanee Albert Gronbaek and defender Armel Bella-Kotchap remain out of his plans heading into the final two games of the season.
Gronbaek, on loan from French club Rennes, is available after recovering from injury, but appears to have played his final game for Saints.
The Denmark international has played just 143 minutes across four appearances since joining on loan in January.
His pathway into the first team has been blocked by Mateus Fernandes since his arrival, and the club look unlikely to activate his buy option.
10 Interesting Facts About Earth’s Oceans
Albert Gronbaek’s final Saints start came at Liverpool.
Albert Gronbaek’s final Saints start came at Liverpool. (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)
READ: Saints reportedly interested in Scottish full-back as potential fee named
Bella-Kotchap has also made just four appearances this season, and has dropped back out of the squad since other defenders returned to fitness.
Asked if they have missed recent games due to selection rather than injury, Rusk told the Daily Echo: “Yeah, that’s fair.
“Albert has been dipping back in over the last couple of weeks. He had one or two issues with his Achilles, which might be one to think about over the next 10 days in training.
“We do have a lot of players to choose from at centre-back and there has been really good performances in the back three in recent weeks.
“It’s not easy but Bella’s attitude in the past few weeks has been excellent. As a professional footballer at this level you are paid to be robust with your disappointment.”
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