It has been a difficult return to the Premier League for Southampton as Russell Martin’s side head into the international break sat firmly in the midst of a relegation battle.
After emerging pointless from their first four games back in the top flight, the Saints finally claimed their first point of the season with a home draw against Ipswich Town. A first win came earlier this month when an Adam Armstrong goal was enough to see off Everton at St Mary’s, but defeats against Bournemouth, Arsenal, Leicester City, Manchester City, and Wolves have ensured Southampton sit at the bottom of the table as several players head off on international duty.
There was a major blow for the Saints when a suspected broken finger forced goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to withdraw from the England squad and the injury could require surgery. However, there could be some better news on the injury front for Martin when his side return to Premier League action with a home game against current leaders Liverpool on the other side of the international break. We take a look at the latest injury news from the Saints squad and see when some players could return to contention.
Ross Stewart
The former Sunderland striker has endured an injury-laden stay since joining the Saints last summer and has been limited to just nine appearances throughout that time. After missing the vast majority of last season following surgery on an Achilles tendon injury, Stewart has been ruled out once again with a muscle injury that Martin had initially suggested will keep him out for ‘a period of time’ – although there are some hopes there could be a return by the end of the month. Estimated return date: Late November.
Will Smallbone
The Saints academy product has seen his attempts to force his way into Martin’s starting eleven hampered by a troublesome knee injury. The midfielder made a comeback in last month’s 3-2 home defeat against Leicester City but has succumbed once again and is now targeting a return by the end of the month. Estimated return date: Late November.
Ryan Fraser
The former Bournemouth and Newcastle United winger officially became a permanent member of the Saints squad in August after spending last season on loan at St Marys. illness and a suspension have limited Fraser to four Premier League appearances and Martin confirmed Fraser had suffered an injury during the Carabao Cup win against Stoke City. Just like Smallbone and Stewart, there is hope he could return before the end of the month. Estimated return date: Late November.
Gavin Bazunu
There was a major blow for the Saints when the Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper ruptured his Achilles tendon during the second half of last season. After undergoing an operation in April, Bazunu was initially expected to remain on the sidelines for around nine to ten months and it seems that estimate will prove to be accurate. Estimated return date: February 2025.
Aaron Ramsdale
There were further concerns in the goalkeeping department for Martin when summer signing Ramsdale suffered a broken finger. The former Arsenal stopper has withdrawn from the England squad for the Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland and is expected to undergo surgery. That could mean a return for veteran stopper Alex McCarthy. Estimated return date: unknown.
