Southampton suffered another blow in their pursuit of promotion from the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The Saints were beaten 2-1 by a struggling Millwall side at St Mary’s. After a club record run of 25 games without defeat, it is now three defeats in four for Russell Martin‘s side.
That means the club remain 4th in the Championship, five points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
Another concern to emerge from that game for Southampton was the injury to Ryan Fraser.
Having been forced off in the game, the on-loan Newcastle United winger could now be out of action for some time.
‘No chance’ of Ryan Fraser featuring v Liverpool
Fraser was restored to the starting lineup for Southampton against Millwall. The 30-year-old had dropped to the bench for the defeat to Hull City on Tuesday night.
On Saturday though, Fraser would play just 19 minutes, before being forced off, with Sam Edozie coming on in his place.
Now it seems as though Southampton may have to do without the winger for a potentially significant period.
Providing an update on Fraser after the game, Daily Echo journalist George Rees-Julian revealed that Martin confirmed there is no chance of him featuring against Liverpool in the FA Cup on Tuesday.
It was also explained that after picking up that injury, Fraser left St Mary’s on crutches on Saturday.
Ryan Fraser injury a big blow for Southampton
This news about Fraser will be a big concern for those of a Saints persuasion.
The winger has made a positive and sometimes important impact for Southampton since joining the club.
In 32 appearances in all competitions, he has scored eight goals and provided three assists. That goes to highlight that he could have an significant part to play between now and the end of the season if fit.
However, this update suggests that he may not be available for some time, which will be a big miss.
Indeed, Fraser has also won promotion from the Championship previously in his career. His experience could therefore have proved vital for Southampton as they look to secure a return to the Premier League this season.
That could be particularly significant here and now, as Martin’s side look for a way to snap themselves out of this poor run of form.
With that in mind, this injury to Fraser does feel as though it may have come at the worst possible time for Southampton.