Southampton play host to Preston North End on Wednesday evening and here is all the very latest news on the injury front.
The Saints secured a dramatic late victory away at Birmingham City on the weekend and will be desperate to continue that momentum as we enter the business end of the season.
Russell Martin‘s side are firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion but must win their game in hand against North End to keep pace with second-placed Ipswich Town, who currently lie eight points ahead.
The gruelling 46-game campaign is beginning to take its toll on players across the division but Southampton have been pretty fortunate with injuries of late.
Here is the latest Southampton injury news with Martin issuing an update on the fitness of Kyle Walker-Peters and Newcastle United loanee Ryan Fraser.
Southampton injury news vs Preston North End
Kyle Walker-Peters injury latest
Kyle Walker-Peters has been talismanic for The Saints this term but is expected to miss tonight’s game after being forced off through injury during the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool last week.
Speaking on Tuesday, Martin issued an update on his fitness: “Kyle was back on the grass today which is good news. Tomorrow may come a bit too early, it probably will but we are hopeful to have him involved on Saturday.”
Games missed since injury: Two
Expected return date: Saturday 9th March
Ryan Fraser injury latest
Ryan Fraser, who is on a season-long loan from Newcastle United, has been a fixture of Martin’s side but will be sidelined until the end of the month.
Though, The Saints boss noted that Leicester City’s FA Cup progression is beneficial for Fraser: “With the Leicester game being delayed until later in the season, suits him because it means he will miss one game less.
“We expect him or we are hopeful he will be back for the Middlesbrough game after that, all being well. If he’s not, it won’t be too long after that.”
Games missed since injury: Two
Expected return date: Friday 29th March
Ross Stewart injury latest
Ross Stewart has been plagued by injuries for much of the season and hasn’t featured since November after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Speaking in December, Martin confirmed that Stewart would likely miss the remainder of the campaign: “I think we need to be really honest about Ross and realistic, we probably won’t see him again this season.
“Although it’s short-term pain for us, long-term we need Ross to have a full pre-season to then risk him for maybe three or four weeks this season seems a little bit crazy.”
Games missed since injury: 23
Expected return date: August
Juan Larios injury latest
Juan Larios, formerly of Barcelona and Manchester City’s academy, hasn’t kicked a ball this term due to an ‘innocuous injury’ which has delayed his return.
“We had a big setback with Juan. He’s no longer on the way back unfortunately, so he’ll be out for a couple of months still,” Martin confirmed in September.
“Really innocuous, really frustrating for him and I’m really devastated for him. Such a brilliant, brilliant lad and deserves better luck than he’s had.
“So, Juan is again rehabbing, something that’s frustrating for everyone here. It’s no fault of his, no fault of the medical team, sometimes these things just happen.”
Games missed since injury: 40
Expected return date: Unknown