Although Southampton’s hard-earned Championship triumph over Huddersfield Town extended their winning streak to 22 games, Saints supporters will be concerned about the injury to one of their important players.
Southampton injury updates
As one of the favourites to get promoted back to the Premier League, Southampton has distinguished itself in what is perhaps the most competitive Championship season in memory. Russell Martin’s team, who sit second in the league after 30 games played, have appeared unstoppable in recent weeks, putting a difficult start firmly in the past.
Southampton’s ability to keep players healthy will be essential to their campaign’s success. Despite the fact that Stuart Armstrong and Che Adams had to leave the game early on Saturday due to knocks, Martin acknowledged that neither had sustained any major injuries. The fact that Kamaldeen Sulemana, who sustained a hamstring injury back in December, is returned is good news for Saints supporters.
Even though the Saints have avoided any kind of injury catastrophe thus far in the season, losing one player will be a serious concern.
Key Southampton player lost to injury
After being forced to leave the pitch of play with little over 30 minutes remaining, Martin will now have to wait nervously as he determines how long he will be without midfielder Flynn Downes. Alfie House, a local journalist, called the midfielder’s departure “a huge, huge blow”.
After joining Southampton on loan from West Ham this summer, the 25-year-old has been crucial to the team’s attempt to make a quick return to the Premier League, appearing 23 times. The Europa Conference League winner is a technical midfielder who is at ease with the ball at his feet and has easily adjusted to life in the second division.
Downes has prospered in Martin’s possession-centric method. Playmaking in the middle of the park: Downes leads all Championship midfielders in passes completed per ninety, which is how Southampton’s innovative play is started. Even though Downes’ performance is typified by passing, he seldom avoids the physical aspect of the game. Despite being only 5’6 tall, the Englishman can match the league’s finest players, averaging over two tackles per game and 1.5 interceptions.
Martin has been praising him because of this aspect of his play. He praised his loanee when he spoke to media back in October, telling them:
Fortunately for Southampton supporters, Joe Rothwell, a January acquisition who scored twice against Huddersfield while on loan from Bournemouth, provides a capable option for Downes.
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