Stuart Armstrong’s season looks as though it is over.
The 32-year-old has been an integral member of Russell Martin‘s side this season, only missing one league game.
However, that is set to change after the Scot was stretchered off in second-half stoppage time against Cardiff City on Saturday.
As if throwing away a 1-0 lead courtesy of Joe Aribo was not enough, Armstrong‘s injury has come at an awful time with the play-offs looming.
After the game, Martin confirmed Saints fans’ worst fears, as he said: “He will be out for the season I would have thought. It’s a bad one.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed that it’s not as bad as everyone fears.
“He is on crutches. It’s a really tough day for us all and I’m gutted for him. He played so well today as well. He will be a big miss.”
Southampton will now have to try and make do without their most experienced outfield player and, with Armstrong’s contract due to expire in the summer, he faces an uncertain future.
With that in mind, here are three players who could replace Armstrong in the summer.
Callum O’Hare could replace Stuart Armstrong
The first player who Southampton could target to replace the impact of Armstrong is Coventry City’s Callum O’Hare.
It was reported in January that the club were monitoring the attacking midfielder’s situation, with the 25-year-old’s contract also set to expire in the summer.
Armstrong has five goals and seven assists in the Championship this season, whilst O’Hare himself has six and three respectively according to Transfermarkt. However, when you add FA Cup goals, the Coventry man has a total of ten goals and four assists in 33 games.
What makes this all the more impressive is that the ex-Aston Villa man only returned from a long-term injury in October of this season. The anterior cruciate ligament rupture keeping him out of action since Boxing Day 2022.
With no fee involved and O’Hare’s obvious talents this would represent a low-risk, but potentially very high-reward, transfer.
With his FA Cup heroics ending in dramatic fashion in a penalty shootout defeat at Wembley, having come back from 3-0 down against Manchester United, O’Hare’s stock is at an all time high.
Therefore, it is incredibly likely the midfielder’s next destination will be the Premier League, so it is up to Southampton to ensure that is where they are next season.
Johan Hove could fill Armstrong void
Another player that Southampton could target is 23-year-old Norwegian, Johan Hove.
The central midfielder is currently at FC Groningen in the Dutch second tier and, whilst this may not sound the most exciting signing, could represent astute business.
The man capped 24 times by Norway under-21s was reportedly close to joining the Saints last summer, with Groningen’s relegation from the Eredivisie meaning he was available for a cut-price deal.
However, a move never materialised.
Hove has been influential as the Dutch side look to make an instant return to the top tier – much the same as Southampton – and his club currently sit third in the league with three games remaining.
They still have a real chance of getting promoted as champions, and Hove has scored four goals and provided six assists – according to Transfermarkt – whilst playing a slightly deeper role than he has historically.
Hove is likely to be available for a minimal fee, with his market value predicted by FootballTransfer.com to be just below £700,000.
This move perhaps only makes sense if Southampton are a Championship side next season, with Hove maybe not ready to step straight into a Premier League side just yet.
Carlos Alcaraz could be unlikely Armstrong replacement
The final option Southampton should be considering as Armstrong’s replacement is already owned by the club.
Carlos Alcaraz secured a surprise loan move to Juventus in January, which included an option to buy in the region of £35 million for the Italian giants.
However, the move has not quite worked out as of yet, with the Turin club expected to either negotiate a lower fee or turn their back on a deal altogether.
Southampton only signed the Argentine in January 2023 and the then 20-year-old was one of few bright sparks as the St Mary’s club finished bottom of the Premier League.
Alcaraz found regular game time difficult to come by under Martin, with his youthful exuberance not always conducive with his manager’s controlled, possession-focused, style.
He is clearly a very talented player, though, and the Saints could see a return on their £12 million investment if they trust him to step into Armstrong’s shoes.