ARMEL BELLA-KOTCHAP NEWS

Earns first start Bella-Kotchap recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 4-0 defeat versus Chelsea.

Impact Bella-Kotchap was able to start in his first PL match of the season, having already made an appearance off the bench during the previous game. He's been very limited with the senior side, playing in those two matches all season following his return from PSV over the summer

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Returns from loan Bella-Kotchap returned to Southampton following the end of his loan to PSV.

Impact Bella-Kotchap never really managed to take a big role in PSV, he made just nine total appearances across all competitions, as injuries and form plagued him. The defender now returns to Southampton, who were just promoted back into the Premier League.

JULY 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Returns off bench Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) came off the bench against FC Emmen in a 3-0 win.

Impact Bella-Kotchap missed nearly four months with the shoulder injury but was able to play 30 minutes off the bench against Emmen earlier in the month. The defender should be back to full fitness for a tough Champions League tie against Dortmund.

FEBRUARY 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out once again Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) is out for Tuesday's match against Arsenal.

Impact Bella-Kotchap is missing his fourth UCL match in a row, having yet to recover from a shoulder injury. This will leave the defender only having played in two group stage matches this UCL campaign, starting once, where he registered one shot, a clearance and three tackles in 76 minutes of play.

DECEMBER 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not ready for return Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) wasn't called up for Wednesday's trip to Sevilla.

Impact Bella-Kotchap remains on the sideline for Wednesday's clash with Sevilla. The defender is still struggling with a shoulder injury and will now have just one more chance to get on the pitch in the Champions League group stage. Andre Ramalho will likely continue in the starting XI with Bella-Kotchap out.

NOVEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) is out for Wednesday's clash with Lens, according to manager Peter Bosz.

Impact Bella-Kotchap underwent shoulder surgery and isn't quite ready to return. His next chance for Champions League action will come against Sevilla away from home on Nov. 29. Andre Ramalho will likely remain in the starting XI while Bella-Kotchap is sidelined.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Missing Tuesday Bella-Kotchap was left out of the match-day squad versus Lens on Tuesday with an undisclosed injury.

Impact Bella-Kotchup was also unavailable for the club's domestic clash with Fortuna Sittard on Saturday. The defender came off the bench versus Sevilla on Oct. 3 after having started the Group Stage opener against Arsenal. Andre Ramalho will continue to feature in the starting XI with Bella-Kotchup out.

OCTOBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Loaned to PSV Bella-Kotchap completed a loan to PSV from Southampton, the club announced.

Impact Bella-Kotchap will spend 2023-24 on loan with PSV from Southampton following their relegation. If Southampton are unable to get back into the top flight it's possible Bella-Kotchap could make a permanent move away from Southampton, with a plethora of clubs rumored to be interested.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't return this season Bella-Kotchap (hamstring) will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign. Manager Ruben Selles told reporters, "Armel is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury."

Impact Bella-Kotchap will see his season end having started all 24 of his appearances for Southampton in which he garnered two assists, 14 shots (two on target), 108 clearances and 44 interceptions. With Southampton all but guaranteed to be relegated to the Championship, Bella-Kotchap could be a summer transfer target, though he is in just his first season with the club since joining from VfL Bochum in July of 2022.

MAY 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limps off against Forest Bella-Kotchap was subbed out of Monday's match against Nottingham Forest in the 38th minute after suffering an injury.

Impact Bella-Kotchap has started all 24 of his Premier League appearances this season but his night was cut short Monday due to an injury and he had to be replaced by Lyanco in central defense.

MAY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Makes starting XI Bella-Kotchap is fit and in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Newcastle.

Impact Bella-Kotchap returns from an undisclosed injury to take up a role in Southampton's back line. The center back has helped his club to three clean sheets in 23 appearances while making 95 clearances.

APRIL 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

In contention Sunday Bella-Kotchap (undisclosed) is expected back in the squad for Sunday's matchup with Newcastle United. Manager Ruben Selles told reporters, "He will be ready for Sunday. He was not...

Impact Bella-Kotchap looks set to return after missing the club's mid-week clash with Bournemouth on Thursday. In his last three outings, the central defender recorded one assist, three shots (one on target) and 12 clearances. If he does break into the starting XI, Bella-Kotchap figures to primarily generate defensive stats considering he has just one shot on target in his last 13 contests.

APRIL 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Unavailable against Cherries Bella-Kotchap will not be in the squad versus Bournemouth on Thursday due to fitness concerns, Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic reports.

Impact Bella-Kotchap has started three straight contests, in which he recorded one assist, three shots (one on target) and 12 clearances, but now finds himself on the shelf. The returning Jan Bednarek will slot into central defense in relief of Bella-Kotchap with both defenders in contention for spots in the starting XI moving forward.

APRIL 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Assists against Arsenal Bella-Kotchap assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Friday's 3-3 draw versus Arsenal.

Impact Bella-Kotchap totaled just his second assist on the season from the center defense. He is averaging 4.3 clearances a match after totaling 37 in the last nine games. However, he has only been able to maintain three clean sheets in 22 appearances.

APRIL 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starts against Man City Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) is in the starting lineup against Manchester City on Saturday.

Impact The defender faced a late fitness test that proved to be successful, and he will partner with Jan Bednarek at center-back with the mission of stopping -- or slowing down -- Erling Haaland.

APRIL 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Late call against Manchester City Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) will face a late fitness test ahead of Saturday's match versus Manchester City. "Armel is still a question mark for us" said manager Ruben Selles.

Impact Bella-Kotchap was forced to miss last match after suffering a shoulder injury before the international break. It is unclear if the defender will make an appearances Saturday, with Jan Bednarek and Duje Caleta-Car the expected starters at center back against Manchester City.

APRIL 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out against Hammers Bella-Kotchap (shoulder) will miss out versus West Ham United on Sunday. Manager Ruben Selles told reporters, "Armel has a similar problem that he had in the past. I remember it wa...

Impact Bella-Kotchap was forced off in the eighth minute against Tottenham before the international break and will now be out of action for at least Sunday's matchup. Without the central defender in the squad, Mohammed Salisu (undisclosed) would be the most likely replacement, though he is a doubt himself.

MARCH 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Germany forward Jamal Musiala out with thigh injury

Germany forward Jamal Musiala has been ruled out of upcoming friendly games against Peru and Belgium because of a muscle-fiber tear in his left thigh

MARCH 20, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Leaves early with shoulder injury Bella-Kotchap was forced off in the first half of Saturday's match with Tottenham due to a shoulder injury.

Impact Bella-Kotchap was forced off after just eight minutes, succumbing to a shoulder injury. The defender was replaced by Mohammed Salisu as Bella-Kotchap has two weeks to recover before Southampton's next match.

MARCH 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Strong defensive effort Saturday Bella-Kotchap had two tackles (one won), four clearances and three interceptions in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Leicester City. He was credited with a clean sheet.

Impact Southampton delivered an impressive defensive performance in this match, and Bella-Kotchap was at the center of that strong defensive effort since he won most of the duels he engaged against the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy. Bella-Kotchap has racked up 24 clearances, 11 interceptions and eight tackles across his last five appearances.

MARCH 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Shines in win over Chelsea Bella-Kotchap made one tackle, eight clearances and two interceptions, drew three fouls, helped his side to keep a clean sheet and was shown a yellow card during Saturday's 1-0 win...

Impact Bella-Kotchap had his first EPL action since Jan. 4 and not only was able to play the full 90 but also did it in great fashion. His eight clearances matched a season high and he was one of the biggest reasons why his side was able to hold onto the lead from the 16th minute until the final whistle. With performances like this, it's hard to envision Bella-Kotchap not making the starting XI moving forward.

FEBRUARY 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Goes full 90 in FA Cup win Bella-Kotchap (knee) returned to the starting XI and went the full 90 in Saturday's FA Cup win against Blackpool.

Impact Bella-Kotchap was expected to miss more time, but he was only out for a few weeks and surprisingly well enough to go 90 minutes in his return. The question is if he keeps his starting spot following injury, as Nathan Jones had moved to three center-backs when Bella-Kotchap picked up his initial injury. He's on 13 starts for the season, but he majority of those were before Jones.

JANUARY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out against Everton Bella-Kotchap (knee) is on "a timescale of 7-10 days," Southampton manager Nathan Jones said Thursday.

Impact Bella-Kotchap will miss Saturday's clash against Everton after suffering a knee injury against Forest last week, and he will be questionable for next weekend's Villa match as well. Jones said he will not rush Bella-Kotchap back to the squad due to the "trickiness of the injury," so Duje Caleta-Car should continue alongside Mohammed Salisu in central defense in his absence.

JANUARY 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

To miss multiple weeks Bella-Kotchap is set to miss multiple weeks after suffering a knee injury during Wednesday's match against Nottingham Forest.

Impact Bella-Kotchap limped off the pitch in the 34th minute and now will face an extended absence. He was replaced in the match by Duje Caleta-Car who likely will be the beneficiary of starting XI minutes.

JANUARY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limps off Wednesday Bella-Kotchap limped off with an apparent knee injury during Wednesday's clash with Nottingham Forest.

Impact Bella-Kotchap was unable to carry on after picking up an apparent knee injury. The defender was replaced by Duje Caleta-Car, who would see more playing time if Bella-Kotchap's injury proves to be serious. Bella-Kotchap has 10 days to be evaluated before a Jan. 14 trip to Everton.

JANUARY 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE