Having a strong squad depth will prove crucial as the Championship season enters its final phase, especially with four teams competing fiercely for the prized automatic promotion berths.
At present, Leeds United and Leicester City hold the top two positions in the standings with 82 points each. Trailing closely behind, Ipswich Town sits on 81 points as they approach the final eight matches of their season.
In terms of points, Southampton lags behind with 73 points. Nevertheless, they hold an advantage of having two games in hand over their competitors. Additionally, they face the challenging task of playing away matches against all three teams positioned above them before the season concludes.
Now, let’s examine the injury status of Southampton’s squad in comparison to those of the teams ahead of them in the table.
Southampton
Kyle Walker-Peters
The Southampton full-back has been absent from the team’s lineup for the past two matches after sustaining an injury during the FA Cup match against Liverpool in February. However, there are indications that Kyle Walker-Peters will likely regain fitness in time for Southampton’s upcoming fixture against Middlesbrough on March 29, as he has been seen participating in training sessions.
Ryan Fraser
Similar to Walker-Peters, Ryan Fraser is aiming to make a comeback shortly after the international break. The Scottish player has been sidelined since picking up an injury during a match against Millwall.
Fraser, who has garnered significant support from the fans since his loan arrival, will need to reclaim his place in the starting lineup from David Brooks. Brooks has been in excellent form, contributing to 10 goals in his last 10 appearances, making the competition for the starting position intense.
Ross Stewart
Ross Stewart, who joined the club during the summer transfer window, has encountered a series of injury setbacks during his debut season with the team on the southern coast. It appears improbable that he will make a comeback before the conclusion of the season.
The ex-Sunderland striker has only been able to make two brief substitute appearances due to a hamstring injury, dashing his aspirations of making a significant impact during this campaign.
Juan Larios
Another player whose stint at Southampton has been marred by injuries is young Juan Larios. The Spanish fullback hasn’t featured for the team since November 2022, when they faced Newcastle.
Although Larios has been seen participating in training sessions, there are doubts surrounding his availability for the remainder of the season due to the prolonged nature of his injury. Speaking to the club’s media, the 20-year-old expressed his cautious approach, stating, “I need to proceed gradually. Recovery will be a slow process, taking it day by day, hoping for everything to progress positively.”
Leeds United
Jamie Shackleton
Jamie Shackleton, who offers versatility across different positions, has faced numerous setbacks due to injuries throughout this season. His most recent injury, a concussion, sidelined him for the team’s last three matches.
Despite being 24 years old, Shackleton has only been able to make nine appearances in the league for the Championship leaders this season.
Pascal Struijk
Dutch defender Pascal Struijk found the net at St Mary’s Stadium during Southampton’s 3-1 victory over Daniel Farke’s team earlier in the season.
However, Struijk has been sidelined since December due to a groin strain. Remarkably, despite his absence, the Leeds defense has remained strong, conceding only four goals during this period.
Stuart Dallas
Stuart Dallas has undergone multiple surgical procedures in the past two years following a femur fracture, yet he is still far from reaching full fitness.
Michael O’Neill, the manager of the Northern Ireland team, has voiced apprehension about Dallas’ future, particularly since a definitive timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Leicester City
Ricardo Pereira
Leicester City captain Ricardo Pereira has been absent from play since suffering a hamstring injury during a training session prior to their loss against QPR earlier this month.
Manager Enzo Maresca has suggested that Pereira will be sidelined until after the international break due to the injury.
Dennis Praet
Another Leicester player, Belgian midfielder Dennis Praet, also endured an injury earlier this month.
Praet was forced off the pitch during the defeat against QPR, visibly holding his hamstring. According to Maresca’s estimation, he is anticipated to be sidelined for “three to four weeks” longer.
Kasey McAteer
22-year-old Kasey McAteer found the back of the net at St Mary’s Stadium earlier in the season during Leicester’s victory over Martin’s team.
However, his recent injury setback caused him to miss out on a potential debut call-up for Ireland. Nonetheless, if there are no additional setbacks, McAteer could potentially make a return before Southampton’s visit to the King Power Stadium.
Ipswich Town
Wes Burns
Wes Burns, a crucial attacker for Ipswich, had to pull out from the Wales squad this month due to an injury setback.
The 29-year-old, who has contributed five goals and three assists this season, sustained a hamstring injury in the previous match as Ipswich secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
Expressing concern, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna mentioned, “It’s not promising. It’s a hamstring injury and it appears to be significant. It doesn’t feel like a minor one.”
Brandon Williams
Left-back Brandon Williams, currently on loan, has been absent from Championship matches in 2024 due to his return to Manchester United for medical treatment.
It is anticipated that Williams will encounter challenges in securing a place in the starting lineup, especially with Leif Davis ahead of him. Davis has been exceptional, contributing to the highest number of assists in the Championship this season (17).
Conor Chaplin
Conor Chaplin, a former player for Portsmouth, was notably absent from Ipswich’s squad in their recent match, marking the first instance he has not been included in a matchday squad this season.
Following their victory, Manager McKenna commented, “Conor has a strain in his side/back. He was unavailable for this game, so we’ll need to monitor his recovery.”
George Hirst
Forward George Hirst is making strides in his rehabilitation following hamstring surgery in January and may be able to return to play before the end of the season.
Manager McKenna is optimistic about the 25-year-old’s chances of regaining fitness in time for Ipswich’s final match against Huddersfield.
Janoi Donacien
The most recent injury update brings less favorable news for Janoi Donacien, aged 30. The Saint Lucia international has only featured in three league matches since aiding his team in securing promotion last season.