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Southampton: What are the Saints to do with Steven Davis?

By Erik Franzo

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Steven Davis of Southampton celebrates as he scores their first goal with Cedric Soares of Southampton during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at Amex Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Steven Davis of Southampton celebrates as he scores their first goal with Cedric Soares of Southampton during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at Amex Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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With just eight games remaining in the Premier League season, and Steven Davis still recovering from injury, what is the likelihood Saints fans see the captain on the pitch again?

Davis has been on the shelf for at least a month with a hamstring injury and has not featured for Southampton since February 11th.  Used as a late substitution in the 0-2 loss to Liverpool.

The Northern Ireland International chose to remain in Southampton over the break in order to regain his fitness. Rather than head out for a friendly against North Korea on Saturday.

The hope is to be ready for the West Ham game Saturday, but would Davis even feature?

Saints fans would agree that Davis’ form as been down this season.  His qualities as a leader with a strong work ethic unable to compensate for the dip in play.  He does, however, have three goals on the season, in 22 PL appearances.  The downside being Mark Hughes displayed a two striker front, making it less likely the formation will have a home for Davis.

Mario Lemina and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were the first choice centre midfielders against Wigan.  Reigning player of the year, Oriol Romeu, came off the bench to close the game out with a lead.  One can also argue James Ward-Prowse is ahead of Davis as a natural midfielder, regardless of featuring most of the season on the right wing.  That leaves Davis as a fourth choice midfielder.

Mark Hughes will likely use the senior players, due to their experience, down the stretch.  It is also possible Davis wins his new manager over with his work ethic and tactical sense.  However, a lack of game time, fitness, form, and the depth chart are staring back at the Irishman as quite the hurdle.

Next: What to do now with Carrillo?

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 09: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off first leg between Northern Ireland and Switzerland at Windsor Park on November 9, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 09: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off first leg between Northern Ireland and Switzerland at Windsor Park on November 9, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /

The amount of football Davis has played over the last year has likely taken its toll.  He competed in all 12 World Cup Qualifiers for his country, while a regular in the Southampton side.

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Narrowly missing out on a trip to Russia in 2018 following a 0-1 aggregate playoff loss to Switzerland.  Not to mention via a controversial penalty.

As a footballer, that can certainly take the wind out of your sails.

Davis has been a mainstay at Southampton since arriving from Scottish side Rangers in the summer of 2012 for just £4.5 million – the team he has been loosely linked with returning to this summer.  At age 33, it is still likely just speculation that Southampton would even consider shipping him out.  Understanding that his leadership to the younger players will be invaluable no matter what league the team features in next season.

However, the final two months are likely to paint a picture of Davis’ future at Southampton.

If he makes his way back into the side, he will undoubtedly give all he has to ensure the team stays up.  No Saints fan would question that, regardless of 100% fitness or form.  Steven Davis is the type of player every team needs, and his absence is easily overlooked.

It is likely Davis will be part of a Mark Hughes’ rotation for the remainder of the season, but when he gets his chance, I will be rooting for the selfless Saint to make a positive impact.