Southampton host Preston North End on Wednesday evening, and here’s all the latest injury news.
The Saints gained a stunning late victory away at Birmingham City over the weekend and will be looking to build on that momentum as the season comes to a close.
Russell Martin’s team is solidly in contention for automatic promotion, but they must win their game in hand at North End to stay up with second-placed Ipswich Town, who are presently eight points ahead.
The rigorous 46-game season is starting to take its toll on players across the division, although Southampton has been fortunate with injuries recently.
Here is the most recent Southampton injury news, with Martin providing an update on the fitness of Kyle Walker-Peters and Newcastle United loanee Ryan Fraser.
Southampton injury news vs Preston North End
Kyle Walker-Peters injury latest
Kyle Walker-Peters, a key player for The Saints this season, is expected to miss tonight’s game due to an injury sustained during the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool last week.
On Tuesday, Martin provided an update on his fitness: “Kyle got back on the grass today, which is great news. Tomorrow may come a little early, but we aim to have him involved by Saturday.”
Games missed since injury: Two
Expected return date: Saturday 9th March
Ryan Fraser injury latest
Ryan Fraser, who is on a season-long loan from Newcastle United, has been a key member of Martin’s squad but will be out until the end of the month.
However, the Saints manager stated that Leicester City’s FA Cup progress is advantageous for Fraser: “With the Leicester game being postponed till later in the season, that suits him since he will miss one game less.
“We expect or hope he will return for the Middlesbrough game after that, all being well. If he isn’t, it won’t be long after.”
Games missed since injury: Two
Expected return date: Friday 29th March
Ross Stewart injury latest
Ross Stewart has been out for most of the season and has not played since November due to a hamstring ailment.
In December, Martin announced that Stewart will likely miss the rest of the campaign: “I think we need to be honest and realistic about Ross; we probably won’t see him again this season.”
“Although it’s short-term pain for us, long-term we need Ross to have a full pre-season to then risk him for maybe three or four weeks this season seems a little bit crazy.”
Games missed since injury: 23
Expected return date: August
Juan Larios injury latest
Juan Larios, formerly of Barcelona and Manchester City’s youth, hasn’t played this season owing to a ‘innocuous injury’ that has delayed his return.
“We experienced a major setback with Juan. He’s no longer on his way back, so he’ll be out for a few more months,” Martin stated in September.
“Very innocuous, very annoying for him, and I am devastated for him. He is a talented young man who deserves greater luck than he has experienced thus far.
“So, Juan is back in rehab, which is frustrating for everyone here. It’s not his fault, nor the fault of the medical team; sometimes these things just happen.”
Games missed since injury: 40
Expected return date: Unknown
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