Southampton will face a nervous wait after captain Jack Stephens limped off in the first half during Saturday’s 2-1 win against QPR.
The 29-year-old was named captain of the club, following James Ward-Prowse’s departure but was substituted after just 25 minutes on Saturday afternoon and manager Russell Martin has confirmed the club will face an anxious wait.
Saints secure home win
Southampton were yet to win at home in the Championship this season going into Saturday’s clash with QPR. However, they were still unbeaten in league competition heading into the game.
Samuel Edozie gave Southampton a well-earned lead on the half-hour mark before QPR’s Jack Colback brought the visitors back onto level terms within two minutes. However, Adam Armstrong grabbed the winner after 64 minutes to send the Saints into fourth spot.
What’s been said?
Speaking after the victory against QPR, manager Russell Martin confirmed the club face an anxious wait by saying…
“It’s a real negative for us.
“It looks like a bad one. I think we need to fear the worst on that one, unfortunately. If it’s anything better than the worst I’ll be happy.
“I’m absolutely devastated for Jack if it’s as bad as we think, but we will have to wait and see.”
Do Southampton have cover?
Southampton recently completed the signing of Everton defender Mason Holgate on a season-long loan, but the deal wasn’t done in time for the defender to feature against QPR and instead Stephens was replaced by fellow debutant Flynn Downes.
Holgate will likely be the immediate replacement for Stephens, but if Stephens has picked up a serious injury, it would be a major blow for the Championship side.
Writer’s View
Stephens is one of Southampton’s key players and without him, there is a lack of leadership options on the pitch for the Saints so the club will be praying that it isn’t anything serious.
However, with a player like Mason Holgate in the building, the club will still have plenty of defensive options but Stephens is someone that Russell Martin will be wanting to select week in week out.
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