Southampton striker Shane Long rated ‘50/50’ to face Bournemouth
Koeman rated his in-form forward as “50-50” with a late fitness test in the offing.
“Shane Long was injured at the weekend but it’s not final that he’s out,” the former Holland defender said.
“It could be difficult for him for (Tuesday). I think he’s 50-50. He’s doing well, in good form, full of confidence.
“He’s creating a lot of dangerous moments in our attacking and scoring goals.
“You’d always like to have everyone available but injuries are part of football and we have a strong squad.”
Koeman has hailed Eddie Howe for sticking to his “brave” footballing principles, backing Bournemouth to preserve their Premier League status.
Koeman’s Saints will face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium in league action on Tuesday night for the first time since a 3-1 win in League One in March 2011.
The Dutchman praised Bournemouth counterpart Howe for instilling a deep-seated philosophy of attacking, possession football with the promoted club.
The Southampton boss believes Howe’s men will avoid the drop this term, and wants both south-coast sides to thrive in the top flight.
“From the outside, I’m always looking to managers about the philosophy of the team, and he has created a way to play attractive football, with good, technical players,” Koeman said of Howe. “And that’s what I like.
“It’s brave and it’s also in my opinion the most difficult way.
“It’s easier to give the goalkeeper the ball, him come out of his box and play a long ball, and you fight for the second one.
“Some teams in the Premier League play like this, but I like a different way of football.”
Jose Fonte and Kelvin Davis are Saints’ only survivors from that 3-1 League One win over Bournemouth back in 2011.
“These are big games for us,” said Howe.
“I said this before the Watford game, we are in a key moment in our season. But this one game is not going to be defining. When you play the big sides you still have to attack those game and try to win them.
“But to achieve our goals at the end of the season, then I think this little spell that we’re in could be defining.”
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