Southampton kick off Europa League campaign with a victory but sweat over Clasie injury

Jordy Clasie limped off with a hamstring injury and is now a major doubt for the start of the season

SOUTHAMPTON fear defender Jordy Clasie could miss the start of the new season after picking up a hamstring injury during their 3-0 victory over Vitesse on Thursday.

 

Goals from Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic and Shane Long gave Saints their first win in Europe since 1981.

However, Clasie's injury put a dampener on the evening. 

The Saints new boy limped off after 62 minutes is now a major doubt for their opening match against Newcastle next week. 

 

The Dutchman will be assessed on Friday, but manager Ronald Koeman is fearing the worst for his £8million signing.  

“It’s possible,” Koeman said. “We have to wait.

“It’s always a dangerous injury hamstrings and we have to wait.”

 

While his side took a comfortable win over the visitors, Koeman insists he's not taking anything for granted ahead of their second leg in Holland next week.

“It’s never over in football but of course the final result is a very good one,” he continued. 

“In European football to win the first game at home 3-0 is a great result.”