Michael Obafemi Ruled Out for Rest of the Season After Picking Up Muscle Injury Against Arsenal

Southampton striker Michael Obafemi has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering another hamstring injury during the club's 2-0 defeat

Southampton striker Michael Obafemi has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering another hamstring injury during the club's 2-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday.

The 18-year-old came off the bench at the Emirates at half time with Southampton already trailing by two goals, but Obafemi was unable to see out the game and was forced off just after the hour mark when he appeared to pull up with a muscle injury.

It's since been learned that it was a reoccurring hamstring injury which forced Obafemi off in north London, and it's now confirmed that the teenager won't feature again this season as a result of his injury.

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It had appeared that Obafemi, who is earning a reputation for his work rate and constant pressure, was told to ease off by Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl amid fears the young forward could pick up another muscle injury.

Obafemi's appearance against Arsenal was his first in the Premier League in 2019, and his first since returning from a hamstring injury which kept the Republic of Ireland international sidelined for two months.

While the youngster's injury will be a blow for Southampton and Hasenhüttl in their quest to stay in the Premier League this season - they're currently one point off safety - it will allow fringe players the chance to step up before the end of the campaign.

BREAKING: @SouthamptonFC striker Michael Obafemi has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury picked up against @Arsenal. #SSN

Follow all the #PremierLeague build-up LIVE! https://t.co/GCVSCanIQ3 pic.twitter.com/DHWp5BIA57

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 26, 2019

Danny Ings, Shane Long and Charlie Austin have started just six league games between them since the turn of the year, with new manager Hasenhüttl largely favouring Nathan Redmond as the answer to his attacking problems.