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Ronald Koeman says Sadio Mane has been omitted from Southampton's starting line-up to face Norwich because he was late to a team meeting.

The Senegal international has been named among the substitutes for the clash at Carrow Road.

"It [Mane's omission] is a disciplinary reason," Koeman explained.

"He was in the team, but he was too late in the meeting. We have rules in the team."

Mane has scored three league goals for Saints this season but hasn't found the net in the top flight since a draw with Liverpool in October.

Mane's dropping curiously comes on the opening day of the January transfer window.

He has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United since last summer and his omission will only add fuel to the rumours linking him with an Old Trafford switch.

Southampton go to Norwich looking to end a run of poor results.

(Image: Tom Dulat)

Koeman's men have won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, but the Dutchman isn't expecting an easy game against the Canaries.

"I'm expecting a difficult game. I was watching the game they played last, against Aston Villa at home, and they are strong," Koeman said.

"They have a confidence now that they can beat teams. They won away against Manchester United, and that gives teams like Norwich a big belief and a big confidence to battle to stay in the Premier League. That's one of the reasons why it's a difficult game.

"They are fighting to keep their position in the Premier League. They are strong at home and they're an aggressive team so it's a difficult one. But we need to win."

It's not the first time Mane has been late for a game - last February the Senegalese was half an hour late for the home game against Liverpool, and was subsequently dropped.