Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone’s injury is ‘worse than feared’.
Saints manager Russell Martin confirmed at a fans forum on Tuesday that Smallbone’s had picked up an ankle injury in their 4-4 draw at home to Norwich City, and that they had originally hoped for better.
“His injury is a bit worse than we would have liked,” Martin said.
“I also don’t think it is going to be anything too long-term, fingers crossed. But we don’t really know at the moment to be honest. I don’t envision him being ready for the weekend unfortunately.”
Smallbone has started in both of the Saints’ Championship matches so far this season playing every minute prior to his injury.
How big of a miss will Smallbone be?
Smallbone has become a regular so far this season for Southampton after spending last season out on loan at Stoke City in the Champiosnship, where he made 43 appearances, contributing to eight goals. Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League almost certainly would have helped him again starting position in the squad, with the club selling midfielders such as Romeo Lavia who is set to join Chelsea, Ibrahima Diallo who joined Al-Duhail in Qatar, and James Ward-Prowse who left on Monday for West Ham United.
Saints are looking at bringing in midfield reinforcements, with West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes close to joining on loan for the season. However, that move appears to be more of a replacement for the departing Ward-Prowse, and with Smallbone’s injury not seemingly going to be long-term, they should not need to bring in a replacement.