The once seemingly impossible automatic promotion dream is still on for Southampton, but they are going to have to continue their superb form this weekend to keep that dream alive. The Saints are three points behind second placed Ipswich Town, but the Norfolk side have a game in-hand at this stage, while Millwall in third are a point better off than the Saints.
In all likelihood, Southampton are going to have to win their remaining four games to sneak into second, but in any case, they will want a big end to the season to, at the very least, go into the playoffs with momentum aplenty.
This weekend, the Saints face a Swansea City side that sits 14th place and with nothing to play for, albeit striker Žan Vipotnik might need another goal or two to wrap up the golden boot., currently holding a five-goal lead.
Here we round up the latest injury news surrounding both teams ahead of this one.
Ishe Samuels-Smith – Out
Samuels-Smith has picked up a muscular injury, and it looks as though his season is over, returning to parent club Chelsea for treatment. Swansea boss Vitor Matos said: “He had a soft-tissue injury and his recovery is in the hands of Chelsea,”
Zeidane Inoussa – Out
Inoussa was hoping to return from his long-term back injury but he has been dealt a setback and will need to wait a little longer.
Josh Key – Out
Key has a hip injury and is targeting a return for the last couple of games.
Ethan Galbraith – Out
Galbraith is out for the season with a significant calf injury.
Alex McCarthy – Out
McCarthy has a wrist injury and won’t return for another week or two.
Mads Roerslev – Out
Roeslev underwent surgery In February that ended his season.
Finn Azaz – Doubt
Azaz will remain a doubt, but he may well return. Tonda Eckert said during the week: “I think it wasn’t clear at the beginning of the week if he might make it for the game tonight, and then there was a call yesterday. It was a bit tough, but I’m quite positive he will be on the pitch on Saturday.”
James Bree – Fit
Bree went off against Blackburn, but Eckert was not concerned about his availability for this weekend. He said after the game: “He has big quads. He should be able to take that.”
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