---
title: "Balbuena is a major doubt for Southampton clash"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2018/12/24/balbuena-is-a-major-doubt-for-southampton-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Abdullah Mulla"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2018-12-24T15:07:27Z"
modified: "2018-12-24T15:08:08Z"
---

# Balbuena is a major doubt for Southampton clash

Defender Fabian Balbuena is a major doubt for West Ham United’s visit to the St Mary’s Stadium to face Southampton on Thursday, according to a report on [Football London](https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/players/west-ham-latest-injury-news-15592023).

The centre-back picked up a knee injury during the 2-0 defeat to Watford on the weekend when his last-ditch challenge on Roberto Pereyra resulted in a penalty for the Hornets.

![Christopher Lee/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2018/12/1074581056.jpg)

Balbuena could not continue following the tackle and was replaced by Angelo Ogbonna, who is expected to start against the Saints.

The Paraguayan international is still being assessed and it will be confirmed how serious the issue is after further scans are carried out by the medical staff.

Balbuena has formed a strong defensive partnership with fellow summer signing Issa Diop and both players have cemented their places in the Hammers’ lineup.

He could prove to be a big miss for Manuel Pellegrini’s side against a rejuvenated Southampton team, who have won their last two matches.