Russell Martin is still seeking his first point as a Premier League manager, with Southampton losing all three league matches so far this season.
Not only are Southampton yet to get a point on the board since their Premier League return, but they have scored just once in the top flight so far this season.
That goal was scored by summer signing Yukinari Sugawara in the 3-1 defeat against Brentford last time out but the fact it came in the 95th-minute meant it had no real impact on the outcome.
Russell Martin will have been working tirelessly over the current international break to rectify Southampton’s form, but has been hampered in his preparations for Manchester United on Saturday with ten players away on international duty.
The Saints kick-off the weekend’s Premier League action as they take on United in the early kick-off on Saturday and here is the latest injury news for both sides.
Southampton could have three absentees against Man Utd
The good news for Martin in that, all being well for those on international duty, he only has one long-term injury absentee in his squad.
That is goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu who is set to be out with the Achilles injury he sustained in April until well into the new year.
Southampton addressed this problem emphatically on Deadline Day, with the £25 million signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal.
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The two doubts for Martin are Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ross Stewart.
Sulemana has been injured since a problem sustained against Oxford United in pre-season and saw a move to Ajax fall through at the last minute last week, suggesting he may not be involved even if he does return to fitness.
Stewart, meanwhile, is an unknown.
The striker signed for £10 million in summer 2023 but has made just four appearances – all off the bench – since then due to injuries.
It was expected the Scotland striker would get a pre-season under his belt before being a key part of the squad this season but Stewart did not feature once in pre-season and has not made a squad yet this campaign to leave fans scratching their heads.
Martin has previously insisted this was all part of the plan not to take any risks after so long out so it would be a surprise to see Stewart involved against United.
Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw doubts for Manchester United against Southampton
Erik ten Hag has far more to worry about on the injury front than Martin, with as many as six players potentially missing Saturday’s match.
Former Southampton star Luke Shaw is yet to feature this season after being a surprise inclusion in England’s Euro 2024 squad despite not kicking a ball since February, but could recover from a calf injury to face his ex-club provided he has not suffered any setbacks.
Last summer United splashed an initial £64 million to sign striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta and the talented young forward is also a doubt for Saturday from a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season.
Ten Hag has previously said the Dane will return “after the international break” but did not specify when.
The other doubt for the Red Devils is centre-back Victor Lindelof, although it is unlikely he would have started anyway.
Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and summer signing Leny Yoro are the three United players guaranteed to miss the St Mary’s match-up so Martin does not have to plan for the trio’s involvement.