There has been a lot of mystery in the past week concerning Jay Rodriguez fitness with the player playing no part in the wins over Swansea and Crystal Palace, but the rumour is he has a groin problem
It was good to see Jay Rodriguez score against Sunderland a few weeks back, but those who thought it would be the start of a return to form and fitness were given a false dawn, although he started the following match against Arsenal he was withdrawn at half time with no apparent reason given
His late cameo against Sparta Prague saw another goal scored but seemingly even that 13 minutes was too much for him and he was not even on the bench for Sunday's game against Swansea nor last night against Crystal Palace.
Claude Puel had eluded to the fact that there was an injury issue, however he gave no clue as to what it was or how long it would keep him out or whether this was a new problem or a recurrence of one of his old injuries that has seen him miss much of the past 2 1/2 years.
Now a tweet from Adam Blackmore of BBC Radio Solent has suggested that hopefully it is not too serious.
"Am told by non-club source Jay Rodriguez in Germany having possible groin/hernia op - couple of weeks they think but not gospel"
As the commentator on all things SFC on Radio Solent Blackmore is normally better informed than most journalists on what is happening at the club, so hopefully his source may be well connected.
Certainly Saints fans would hope so and would also hope that the club should keep supporters a little more up to date on injury issues if for nothing else other than stopping harmful rumours.