Southampton fans were concerned when they saw Sam Edozie limp off in the first half of the New Year’s Day draw with Norwich City, after a nasty Jack Stacey challenge left the winger unable to continue.
They were rightfully worried, with Edozie re-emerging to sit on the bench in the second half in a medical boot protecting his left ankle.
With Kamaldeen Sulemana absent since the end of November through injury, Edozie has really stepped up in recent weeks scoring three in the last six, taking his season tally to five Championship goals. In the immediate aftermath of the Norwich game, manager Russell Martin was unable to provide any clarity around Edozie’s injury, leaving Southampton fans worried about the impact on their side’s promotion push.
However, ahead of Southampton beginning their FA Cup campaign against Walsall on Saturday, Martin has provided a prognosis. The Daily Echo’s Alfie House posted on ‘X’ that the ex-Swansea City boss has confirmed that the ankle injury should see Edozie miss all of January but be fit to play again come the start of February.
Although it will be a shame to be without Edozie for January, this will be seen as good news by Saints fans who feared the worst for the 20-year-old. This will of course mean that Edozie misses the Walsall cup clash, but he will also miss three league games.
Southampton will have to do without Edozie for Championship fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday, Swansea City and Hull City, as well as the FA Cup fourth round should the Saints overcome their League Two opponents.
How will Southampton cope without Sam Edozie?
Martin will have to find a way to adapt with Edozie out, given that his injury coupled with that of Sulemana means that Ryan Fraser is the only fit senior winger in the squad.
Southampton were in the market for another wide player even before Edozie’s injury, with Manchester United’s Amad Diallo one of the names mentioned who could join on loan. Now, Edozie’s absence is expected to accelerate these plans.
Adam Armstrong has been in very good form this season and has played his best football when starting from a wide right position, with Edozie or Sulemana generally providing the width on the left and offering a more direct threat through their pace and dribbling ability. Fraser is the obvious choice to deputise on the left wing this month, but his best performances since joining have all come when the Scotland international has come off the bench.
Unless a winger comes in imminently, the injury situation could see a reprieve for 17-year-old Sam Amo-Ameyaw and the FA Cup gives him a perfect opportunity to get some minutes under his belt ahead of a potentially increased role this month. The youngster played in three of the first four Championship games of the season but hasn’t played a minute since.
In truth, Edozie’s absence is a problem Martin and Southampton could really do without considering he was improving on a weekly basis and had begun to fill the Sulemana void. This comes in a month when another player who has seized his recent opportunity will be absent, as Joe Aribo has now linked up with Nigeria for the African Cup of Nations.
Martin may have to rethink his tactics to cope with the absentees this month, but a wide player who can come in and hit the ground running would unquestionably be very welcome.
Injury gave Edozie his opportunity and he seized it with both hands, now the ex-Manchester City man faces a spell on the sidelines perhaps it is time for someone else to show their manager that they can step up to the plate.