Russell Martin knows he simply has to secure a first Premier League win of the season for Southampton against Leicester City on Saturday.
Southampton have just one point from 21 after seven league matches and sit 19th in the Premier League.
Russell Martin may have got the Saints promoted last season but he is already coming under pressure and Leicester City at St Mary’s represents a huge opportunity to start to turn things around.
Martin has had a fortnight to prepare for the match due to the international break and Southampton fans will be hoping for plenty to cheer about on Saturday afternoon.
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Will Smallbone returns to Southampton training
Martin has been handed a boost in his preparations for Leicester, with a couple of Southampton’s injured players in line for a return.
Will Smallbone has been sidelined since the last international break after returning from Ireland duty with an injury and Martin suggested previously he could return after the current break.
Martin offered a similar prognosis for Kamaldeen Sulemana, with the winger yet to feature this season after picking up an injury against Oxford United in pre-season.
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However, both players have now been pictured in full training and should now be in contention to be involved against Leicester.
Ross Stewart likely to miss Leicester City clash
It is not all good news, though.
Striker Ross Stewart finally made his first start for Southampton since signing in summer 2023 against Arsenal but lasted just 27 minutes before injury forced him off.
No update has been provided on what is thought to be a muscle injury yet, but it is highly unlikely that Stewart will be available to face Leicester as the forward’s injury nightmare continues.
This will likely mean Cameron Archer starts up front on Saturday after netting a first league goal of the season in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal.