Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone is set for another spell on the sideline after just returning from injury, adding to the Saints' growing injury concerns ahead of their trip to Manchester City on Saturday. The news comes as a blow to manager Russell Martin, who is already facing a number of key absences for the game against the reigning champions.
The Republic of Ireland international missed the Nations League double-header against Finland and Greece earlier this month due to a hamstring injury. Smallbone returned from the five-match spell during The Saints home defeat to Leicester last Saturday, but it appears he has suffered a setback. [Saints' boss Martin said: "Will Smallbone is out now for a little bit of time, which is really frustrating and disappointing for us."](https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/played-injured-martin-fears-smallbone-094102803.html)
The 24-year-old played through the pain barrier against Leicester, having suffered a similar injury on his comeback game. Saints had already used all five replacements as Leicester fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
The news will also come as a worry for Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson as the Southampton manager couldn't give a timeline on a potential for the player. Ireland are set to play in the mid-November Nations League games with Finland and England.
Southampton are thus far enduring a difficult return to the Premier League, and things certainly won't get any easier this weekend when they travel up North to face reigning champions Manchester City. Saints haven't beaten City in the top flight since July 2020, losing their last two games against Pep Guardiola's side by an aggregate score of 8-1.
Russell Martin's team did, however, secure a memorable victory over the Cityzens in last season's League Cup, running out as 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo.
If they are to produce a repeat of that result when they meet City on Saturday, however, they will have to do it without a number of key players. Southampton will be without winger Ryan Fraser, who has been a regular feature off the bench in recent weeks, following his red card against Leicester, while both Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone will also miss the game through injury.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is of course still a long-term absentee, having ruptured his achilles tendon back in April.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Martin revealed that he could now also be without defender Yukinari Sugawara for the trip to The Etihad.
“Yuki had to come off so we've managed him a little bit this week or having to manage him,” Martin explained. “I think another 24 hours will depend on if he's ready to start or not. We'll have to make a decision on that.”
Suguwara would be a big miss for the Saints should he be unable to play on Saturday. He's started all of Southampton's eight Premier League games this season, scoring once and, despite the Saints having yet to win, is impressing with his tenacity on the right-flank.
His importance to Southampton was no more apparent than last week against Leicester. Martin's side were 2-0 up when Suguwara was forced off, and went on to lose 3-2, with Jordan Ayew scoring the winner in the 98th minute.
Speaking after the defeat, Martin pointed to Suguwara's early exit as a turning point.
“Obviously at that point the momentum shifts a bit. Yuki is injured, we have to make a substitution that’s enforced, which is not ideal, and then Ryan obviously gets sent off, so that changes the game completely,” he said.
On Leicester's late winner, Martin added: “I’m furious about that, I’m hurt with that, but I’m not hurt with the fight and the effort that the players gave us. They were brilliant.”
With Smallbone, Sugawara, Fraser, and Stewart all potentially out for the game, Martin will be hoping that the rest of his squad can stay fit and healthy in the coming weeks. Southampton have a tough run of fixtures coming up, and they will need all of their players available if they are to turn their season around.
The Injury Crisis Deepens
Southampton are in a difficult position right now, with a number of key players unavailable due to injury. The club's medical staff will be working hard to get these players back to full fitness as soon as possible, but it is a significant blow for the Saints, who are already struggling to stay in contention in the Premier League.
With the club facing a daunting task of turning their season around, the focus now shifts to the medical staff's ability to get these players back to full fitness. The Saints will need to rely on the depth of their squad if they are to weather this storm.
A Turning Point?
Southampton's performance against Leicester City, despite the eventual defeat, demonstrated a resilient spirit and determination that could be crucial in their fight for survival. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a strong fighting mentality will be key in the coming weeks. The potential return of key players like Smallbone and Sugawara will provide a much-needed boost to the squad.
The Road Ahead
Southampton's upcoming fixtures present a difficult but also a potentially rewarding test for the Saints. The next few games could be crucial in determining the trajectory of their season. If they can manage to stay competitive and find a way to turn things around, Southampton could still be a force to be reckoned with.
