The other three are 24-year-old midfielder Will Smallbone, Southampton’s record-breaking acquisition Kamaldeen Sulemana, and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. Sulemana and Smallbone are almost totally recovered from their injuries, while Bazunu will be fully healthy again next year. Russell Martin, the manager, discussed Sulemana and Smallbone’s comeback prior to Leicester City’s game, saying,
Prior to their match against Leicester City, Southampton receives a significant injury boost.
For the first time in a few weeks, I’m thrilled to see everyone together again. There are two things going for us: Kamaldeen is now healthy enough to join the team, and Will Smallbone has returned.
Russell Martin
Smallbone’s arrival can provide Southampton’s struggling midfield greater athleticism and pace, even though Sulemana is unlikely to see more playing time in the next games. Russell Martin, the manager, has substituted Joe Aribo and Lesley Ugochukwu for the 24-year-old, who sustained an injury during the Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 loss to Greece last month.
After Ugochukwu’s lacklustre defensive midfield performance against Bournemouth, Aribo took his spot at halftime. Aribo’s passing and defence were far more dependable than Ugochukwu’s, but the Saints still require a more versatile holding midfielder like Smallbone to keep up their defensive consistency. Additionally, this combination enables Adam Lallana and Flynn Downes to consistently deliver more crucial passes to Archer and Dibling on either wing.
Russell Martin’s team, who must play at their highest level in attack, defence, and midfield to win this game, will therefore greatly benefit from Smallbone’s return to the starting lineup. It’s unclear if the Saints will win their first Premier League game in the next eight matchday, but Southampton supporters will be hoping Smallbone will repeat his amazing Nations League performance for Southampton as well.
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