Russell Martin may have to manage without one of his key players for an extended period. Southampton, in the meantime, faces the prospect of an injury setback for one of their summer signings, a development that has concerned a journalist reporting from St. Mary’s.
In the Championship, Russell Martin has already been dealing with the absence of Jack Stephens since August. However, there’s some positive news concerning a new addition to the squad who has yet to make his debut.
According to Mark Wyatt, who covers the Saints, Ross Stewart might find a place on the bench for their upcoming match against Hull City at the MKM Stadium this weekend.
Unfortunately, as one player seems likely to return to action, another player may have to head to the treatment room on the south coast.
Manchester City center-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who joined Southampton on a season-long loan over the summer, has played in all six games he’s featured in, forming a strong defensive partnership with Jan Bednarek. However, there’s a possibility that he could be sidelined due to an injury he sustained while on international duty with England.
While he returned from international duty early last week, the extent of the 21-year-old’s injury remains unclear, and there has been no official statement regarding it. This uncertainty doesn’t bode well.
Journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, expressed his concerns about the situation and the potential blow it could be for Southampton. He acknowledged the significance of Harwood-Bellis in the team and the promise shown by the partnership with Bednarek, who brings experience. He stressed that Southampton will want to bring him back into the team as soon as possible.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis stands at 6 feet 2 inches and has been a key presence in Southampton’s defense since his arrival. He has been averaging 4.2 clearances and 2.8 aerial wins per game in the Championship, demonstrating his physical strength. He is also known for his contributions at the other end of the pitch, with ten goals and five assists in his career, making him a threat from set pieces.
Harwood-Bellis also has experience in gaining promotion from the Championship, having achieved it with Burnley last season. His fighting spirit has earned him praise as a “warrior” from journalist Josh Bunting. However, it’s a quality that Russell Martin may have to do without if the injury sidelines him.