Southampton are just under two weeks away from kicking off their Premier League return after a season in the Championship.
Russell Martin takes his Southampton side to St James’ Park on the opening weekend of the season to face Newcastle United before facing both Nottingham Forest and Brentford before the first international break of the season.
Crucially, these three games all come before the end of the transfer window, meaning there is a lot still up in the air in August.
Kyle Walker-Peters is the one player Southampton are concerned about being lured away, whilst Martin undoubtedly needs attacking arrivals.
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Southampton have made eight first-team signings already this summer, but one of the main concerns the St Mary’s faithful had about one newcomer in particular looks as though it may be coming into fruition.
Adam Lallana yet to feature since re-signing for Southampton
The free signing of Adam Lallana that was announced ahead of the transfer window even opening was one that caused some division amongst the Southampton fanbase.
For many it was a shrewd acquisition for no fee with bags of Premier League experience, whilst for others it was viewed as a pointless move for an injury prone 36-year-old who would contribute little to the survival bid.
Having initially left Southampton for Liverpool ten years ago in summer 2014, Lallana’s return is one shrouded in nostalgia but fans hoping to witness the return of the player who was crucial to the club’s rise from League One to the Premier League in the early 2010s have so far been left disappointed.
That is because Lallana is yet to play a single minute in any of Southampton’s five pre-season fixtures so far this summer.
The veteran was in line to start the first test of the summer against Eastleigh but pulled out in the warm up after complaining of muscle tightness.
Worryingly, though, he has still not made his second debut for the club despite that game taking place which is threatening to prove those sceptical of the move right.
Russell Martin a big fan of Lallana but he could have limited impact
Lallana is clearly an incredibly talented player having won both the Premier League and Champions League.
The midfielder has made no secret of his desire to move into coaching when his playing career ends and that was part of the reason behind his move to Southampton.
However, it was hoped he would still have plenty to offer on the pitch and this was only fuelled by Martin’s comments earlier in pre-season where he said on Lallana: “Adam Lallana, wow, what a footballer. He’s only been back for two weeks and incredible.”
If the 34-cap England International cannot find fitness then he will be of little use to Southampton and his absence so far this pre-season has only increased the need for Martin to get another attacking midfielder in as soon as possible.
Perhaps most worryingly is the lack of explanation behind Lallana’s absence after a seemingly risk-averse move to sit out the game against Eastleigh has resulted in a further four games out injured.
With so little time between now and the start of the season, it seems unlikely Lallana will be able to get up to speed for the beginning of the campaign in what is a real blow for Southampton.