Leeds United head to Southampton this coming Saturday on a high after their first win of the season, while Southampton will be missing their captain James Ward-Prowse, who is out due to suspension.
The 26-year-old England international was given a red card against Chelsea for a late tackle on Jorginho at Stamford Bridge. He now has to sit out three matches, including against Leeds.
Promising youngster Will Smallbone may be handed the opportunity to step into Ward-Prowse’s boots, having returned from a bad injury.
The 21-year-old midfielder Smallbone had just made his way into Southampton’s first team in January this year when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Leicester.
After nine months out he is nearing full recovery and has started playing for the reserves, with Saints reserves coach Dave Horseman hinting he could return against Leeds.
Horseman said: “Physically, he looked fit and sharp. The first team staff has done brilliantly with him, getting him up to speed.”
Scotland international Stuart Armstrong is also on the verge of full recovery after a heel injury then a calf injury kept him off the pitch completely so far this season.
He was on the bench against Chelsea in Southampton’s last match, and he was on the bench for Scotland against Israel, so expect to see him back in the team.
Defender Jack Stephens is still out however after damaging a tendon in his knee against Manchester City. The 27-year-old had to leave the pitch mid-match and according to Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl will be out until the new year.
