On-loan Saints defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is expected to be sidelined until the end of 2023 after suffering another shoulder injury at PSV.
This is the fourth time the young German defender has had a shoulder problem, having been forced to miss five matches for Southampton with a similar injury last season.
The German international’s first season at Saints was marred by fitness problems, which saw his campaign cut short by injury.
The 21-year-old underwent personal conditioning with physiotherapy at St Mary’s in the summer before securing a deadline-day loan move to Dutch giants PSV.
Bella-Kotchap confirmed he had undergone surgery by sharing photos from his hospital bed on his Instagram account.
His message added: “Tough times are what make champions.
I will be back soon by the grace of God.
Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me on my journey This.
” Dutch publisher Rik Elfrink reports that Bella-Kotchap could miss two months of action against the Eredivisie leaders.
Upon joining the Eindhoven-based club, Bella-Kotchap said he joined PSV to fulfill his desire to play at the highest level ahead of the European Championships hosted by Germany next summer.
However, he has only made 5 appearances for PSV in the National League and Champions League since the loan transfer expired.
However, he will be satisfied with his club’s current position in the table.
Peter Bosz’s side have won all 10 of their league matches so far, but are yet to claim a win in the Champions League.
