While Southampton played with ten players in the final fifteen minutes of the match and even faced a 3-2 comeback defeat, one of the biggest blow for the Saints was Yukinari Sugawara's injury. The Japan international has been among the most consistent performers for Russell Martin’s side, which was evident again as the Saints couldn't manage to hold their two-goal lead in his absence.
Manager Russell Martin already has to think about a right-back replacement with substitute Ryan Fraser struggling to defend Leicester City forwards Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Jordan Ayew on the right flank. Now, the promotion-winning manager would have to modify his formation again, as another first-team star has apparently picked up an injury.
Southampton suffer another injury blow after 3-2 home defeat
Will Smallbone recently made his return from his previous hamstring injury, and played twenty minutes in a good second-half substitute cameo. However, the 24-year-old could be sidelined again due to another injury with Martin confirming that the defensive midfielder has picked up another hamstring injury, saying,
"Will played the last 15 minutes with an injury. It looks like he's tweaked his hamstring again which is really disappointing for him and for us."Russell Martin
Martin highlighted that Smallbone still gave his level best performance to secure a 2-2 draw despite another injury, however, the Saints conceded another last-minute goal at home. In terms of Smallbone's replacement, Joe Aribo's recent form has been encouraging and Martin would highly likely play the 29-year-old in the holding midfield role in the upcoming matches.
Alongside Aribo, Mateus Fernandes and Flynn Downes will also have to help the defence while defending, as Southampton have been struggling with keeping a Premier League clean-sheet. The next match is an away fixture against defending Premier League Champions Manchester City and Southampton need to go one better as compared to the Arsenal fixture and should aim for securing an important point for their league campaign.