Derby County will be without their seven-time goal scorer, Rhian Brewster, for the rest of this season having damaged a cartilage in the Rams' 1-0 win over Birmingham City before the international break.
Brewster's absence hands the initiative to Southampton and Wrexham, who seem to be fighting out for the last of the coveted play-off spots.
One of the best signings of the summer
Brewster's arrival at Pride Park on a free from Sheffield United has proven to be one of the best signings of the season.
The former Liverpool starlet has failed to meet the heady heights expected of him at Anfield, but is steadily forging a reputation for himself again in the Championship.
Southampton host Derby on the 11th April knowing that a win could put an end to the Rams' chances of bettering the Saints total.
Without the attacking threat of Rhian Brewster and Derby loanee Ben Brereton Diaz, County may struggle to threaten an in-form Southampton side that has gone 12 matches unbeaten in the Championship (14 in all competitions) before today.
Wrexham will also be grateful to hear that Derby will be without their greatest threat as the Welsh outfit continues to mount their own challenge to reach the play-offs.
John Eustace seemed to be getting the most out of Brewster. The 26-year-old had scored five goals in Derby's last 10 matches before getting injured.
In Good Friday's 3-2 defeat by Coventry City, Brewster's place on the left wing was filled by Jaydon Banel, a Dutch under-21 loanee from Premier League Burnley.
A make or break week for Southampton
Southampton will know that the next seven days can make or break their season. After a glamorous FA Cup quarter-final at home to Arsenal today, Saints travel to Wrexham on Tuesday night in the knowledge that victory will lift them back into the play-off positions.
On the other hand, a bad week at the office could force Southampton out of the play-off race and out of the FA Cup. When the margins between success and failure are this tight, Tonda Eckert will need to make sure his team goes into each match with the right mentality.
Eckert has already stated that his team can handle pressure, “we put ourselves in a situation where we can thrive off the pressure that comes with it, and then it's up to us to deliver.“
The loss of Brewster will be felt by Derby, that's guaranteed. However, Southampton must approach every game as if it were a final. If they can do that, they may just find themselves at Wembley in a couple of them.