Southampton FC's start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign has not been the way they would have expected it to. Securing a single point against Ipswich on the back of a series of disappointing losses against Manchester United, Brentford, and Southampton, the club currently finds itself in the 18th position in the Premier League table.
Russell Martin shares crucial injury update on 24-year-old prodigy midfield star
While much can be said about the not much convincing performances of Russell Martin's side so far in the season, they have been deprived of some fate that should have gone their way. However, it feels that their fate hasn't turned much as manager Martin updated on the injury status of their 24-year-old prodigy, who is set to miss more games.
Will Smallbone, the club's Irish young prospect, who had been one of the consistent mainstays of the club as they headed back into the PL this season, is set to be out for 1-2 weeks more. Not to forget, after facing an injury on the international break, the midfielder hasn't been available since, causing the club much instability in the middle of the park.
Speaking on Smallbone's injury ahead of their important Bournemouth fixture, Martin said,
"“He’s still out, so the team news will still be the same.”"Russell Martin
Moreover, while mentioning the duration of his absence further, Martin exclaimed,
"“He’ll be another week or two, maybe even the other side of the international break. We’ll do our very best for the Arsenal game, but for this one he’ll be out.”"Russell Martin
From the perspective of the Saints club, the midfielder's injury absence against AFC Bournemouth, against which the club has had decent records overall, would surely be crucial. Moreover, with difficult games like the Arsenal one coming their way, they would want Smallbone to return soon to have their best squad available to fight for some points.
Overall, it seems Martin's Saints club would have to start their next few games without Will Smallbone as he seeks a return after the upcoming international break. Southampton fans would hope that their performance doesn't get severely affected in the Bournemouth matchday as they look for their first PL win this season.