Gavin Bazunu injury update as Southampton manager confirms long-term absence for Ireland goalkeeper

Southampton manager Russell Martin has confirmed that Gavin Bazunu will not play again until the start of 2025.

The Saints and Ireland goalkeeper injured his achilles during the warm-up ahead of last Tuesday's clash with Preston.

He was replaced in the starting-11 for the 3-0 win by Alex McCarthy and watched on from the dugout, with a pair of crutches and his foot in a protective boot.

A scan on the injury revealed a rupture and Bazunu went under the knife on Thursday.

"Gavin had an operation yesterday," said Martin. "He's ruptured his Achilles tendon so it was as bad as we feared. He will be out for around 9 to 10 months.

"I spoke to him before the operation and he wasn’t in a good place but last night he was way more positive. We will rally behind him. We’re really devastated for Gav. But he’ll get through it and be stronger for it. We look forward to seeing him on Monday.

"Gavin has had a huge setback, there will be some dark and lonely moments over the next 10 months. We will support him and get around him."

Bazunu will miss the June friendlies against Hungary and Portugal, as well as the Nations League campaign in the autumn, when Ireland will face England, Finland and Greece.

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