Southampton receive massive injury blow after 1-0 home win

Southampton's midfield squad depth has been reduced in the previous few weeks as first choice defensive midfielder Will Smallbone picked up an injury after returning to the squad in the 3-2 Leicester City defeat. Moreover, on-loan Chelsea star Lesley Ugochukwu again made a defensive mistake against Stoke City following an underwhelming performance against Bournemouth as a starting midfielder last month.

Thus, the Saints only had four midfield options for the Everton fixture with manager Russell Martin starting Mateus Fernandes, Adam Lallana and Flynn Downes in the lineup and Joe Aribo came as a second half substitute. Now, Southampton have received another significant injury blow to their midfield and could have to play without another regular starter in the upcoming must-win game against Wolves before the November international break.

Southampton receive massive injury blow after 1-0 home win

Recently, the Saints registered a massive 1-0 win over Everton in front of their home fans and secured their first three points of the Premier League season. However, experienced Southampton star Adam Lallana picked up a groin injury and had to be substituted at the beginning of the second-half with Joe Aribo playing in the central midfield role throughout the remainder of the match.

Trusted journalist Alfie House revealed that Lallana apparently felt discomfort but the 36-year-old isn't expected to miss a number of league matches for Russell Martin's side, saying,

"Just seen Adam Lallana walking out and he did look in a bit of pain. With his family so didn't approach but Russell Martin says it's a groin injury. 'Nothing serious' but felt it enough to come off."

- Alfie House

Lallana again provided composure to the Southampton midfield after a few good chances created by both teams in the first half, and allowed the Saints to advance the ball forward without giving away ball-possession in key moments. Since returning to the St. Mary's Stadium on a free transfer after ten years, Lallana's experience in the middle of the park coupled with his flair and playmaking inside the final third has significantly helped Russell Martin's side to improve their build up play.

While Joe Aribo and Flynn Downes can play in a double pivot role in the next away fixture against Wolves, with Mateus Fernandes starting in a more creative playmaker position, Lallana's injury means that Martin would have to play these three midfielders throughout the match which can increase the chances of any injuries to them as well.

However, only this match is remaining before the upcoming two weeks long international break, which will provide a significant recovery time to both Lallana and Smallbone to return to full match fitness towards the end of this month.