Southampton direly need Bella-Kotchap to step up in wake of pitiful injury run | OneFootball

Jan Bednarek was recently forced off with a bleeding nose, adding to Southampton's injury issues. At the moment, Bella-Kotchap's rise to form is direly needed even though Bednarek is tipped to return soon.

Admitted that it's been a disappointing season for Southampton fans, but it has been a surprising one for them overall. One that has seen some of the most unexpected player comebacks lately.

Tell me, after going goalless for around 2 years, who would have hoped Onuachu to lead Southampton's scoring charts?

But, if this story has been quite inspiring, there's this comeback that makes all fans emotional.

If you haven't guessed it yet, we talk of Saints defender Armel Bella-Kotchap.

Having been sidelined for months since his loan return, it felt hard to imagine Bella-Kotchap representing Southampton again. But, the defender's recent consistency has altogether turned his stance in the Saints' backline.

And now, his importance is set to grow even further, with yet another defensive injury hitting Southampton. Guess what, the speculation feared has happened, as Captain Bednarek finishes the International break, with a bleeding nose for Poland.

However, only the positive remains are that the defender's injury isn't that concerning, at least per Poland boss Michał Probierz.

Bella Kotchap must take responsibility in Bednarek's absence

Addressing Bednarek’s forced withdrawal at half-time, as quoted by the Daily Echo, Probierz said: "We decided that there was no point in him playing, but the whole thing is not serious."

But, let's analyze the situation now. With Harwood-Bellis already injured, this new Bednarek sideline has further magnified Bella-Kotchap's importance in the Saints lineup.

Know what it means? The 23-year-old German is to lead the defensive line, who, truth be told, is still working his way back to top form.

Still, as they say, pressure situations manifest heroes. If Bella-Kotchap steps up for Southampton in this crisis time, the defender is sure to command his repute for the club once again.