Things are going from bad to worse for Southampton, as Shea Charles becomes the latest in a growing list of injured players. Manager Will Still has confirmed that the midfielder will be sidelined for around six to seven weeks.
Charles has been a key figure in Southampton’s Championship campaign, featuring in every league match so far and playing a vital role in Still’s system. However, the Northern Ireland international will now miss the clash with Preston North End and could be out until mid-December after suffering a hamstring injury. His absence means the Saints’ midfield could look very different this weekend.
Unfortunately for Southampton, the injury issues don’t stop there. Samuel Edozie is also set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury that will keep him out for at least five weeks. Cameron Archer, who started in the recent win over Blackburn Rovers, hasn’t trained all week, while Flynn Downes is a doubt for the Preston game after picking up a knee knock in training. The club’s medical staff are working to get him fit in time.
Still’s side have struggled to find form this season, sitting 20th in the Championship table with just one win in their last five matches. Charles’ injury comes at a particularly difficult time, as the busy festive schedule looms.
The 21-year-old is expected to miss several key fixtures, including matches against Preston North End and QPR. With the schedule tightening, Still faces an uphill task to implement his philosophy and turn Southampton’s season around without one of his most influential players.
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