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Southampton could welcome back two first team stars when Chelsea visit this week.
Only Tottenham Hotspur have scored more (28) than the 26 goals managed by Enzo Maresca's side this term with the Chelsea forwards purring under their new management. The London outfit put three past Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and have only failed to score in one league match this season, that being the curtain raiser against Manchester City in August.
With Southampton sitting rock bottom of the table and with just one league win to their name, the visit of high-flying Chelsea will prove a tough test for Russell Martin and his men. The Saints aren't helped by many first team players being unavailable for the meeting.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale isn't expected back from a hand injury until the end of the month while defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who had featured in every league match this season, is suspended having picked up five yellow cards.
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In midfield, Flynn Downes and Lewis Dibling are also unable to face Chelsea having fallen foul of that yellow card rule. Adam Lallana and Will Smallbone are also injured with Lesley Ugochukwu unable to face his parent club.
It's a nightmare situation for Martin, who is in desperate need of results, but there is a small glimmer of hope for the Southampton boss. The manager confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that two players could return to action.
Southampton confirm double injury boost
The first is the experienced Jan Bednarek. The Poland international, who has 165 top flight appearances to his name, had missed the last two outings having picked up a knee injury while on international duty - that coming after a collision with Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
With Harwood-Bellis absent, that's a big boost for Southampton and potential blow for any Chelsea hopes of a completely makeshift Saints centre-back pairing. Martin said: "Jan will be back in the squad as well; hopefully, all being well. We'll assess whether he's ready to play or not, but he'll be back involved, which will be good for us."
Bednarek could return for Southampton.Bednarek could return for Southampton.
Bednarek could return for Southampton. | Getty Images
There was a second smaller injury boost for Southampton too ahead of the Chelsea fixture. Striker Paul Onachu, who is somewhat of a fringe option for Martin, is set to return to the matchday squad.
The 30-year-old has made six Premier League appearances so far this season and had earnt his first start against Liverpool, before being forced off injured. Martin said: "We're hopeful that Paul will be involved on Wednesday, which will be good for us."
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