Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone could make a return to Premier League action soon as he steps up his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl has told Hampshire Live.
Football can be cruel at times.
Just as he was threatening to become a regular fixture in the Southampton squad eight months ago, one of the most talented young players to fall off the feted St Mary’s production line in recent years felt a dreaded ‘pop’ in his knee during a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City.
His ligament was ruptured, his hopes of securing a staring berth up in smoke.
Fortunately, after so long on the sidelines, set-backs and much frustration, 21-year-old Smallbone will be back in contention sooner rather than later.
Can Smallbone become a Southampton starter again?
“Will is now on the very edge of coming back into training. He is still a no (for Saturday’s clash with West Ham United) but I think that, for the first time since the injury, he will join us today,” Hasenhuttl said ahead of today’s training session.
“We have not forced him. We have tried to give him time and it’s looking like he’s now close to returning.”
Hasenhuttl adds Stuart Armstrong, arguably the club’s most impressive and consistent performer last season, is still unavailable through a calf muscle problem, with Theo Walcott also set for a spell on the treatment table.
Southampton have picked up just two points from three Premier League games this season but outplayed Manchester United for long spells at St Mary’s before snatching a 96th minute equaliser at Newcastle last time out.
But West Ham – with the “outstanding” Michail Antonio leading the line – should represent a serious challenge for a side that has won just four of its past 24 league games since January’s hard-fought, tear-jerking victory over then-reigning champions Liverpool.
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