Former Premier League footballer Carlton Palmer believes that Southampton are in a difficult position after losing Jack Stephens to injury.
Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed that Stephens could be out for up to 12 weeks with a knee injury, which he sustained in the draw away at Manchester City.
The 27-year-old centre-back made 22 appearances for Southampton last season in all competitions and had played every minute of Southampton’s Premier League and Carabao Cup campaigns this season prior to his injury.
Will Southampton look to sign another centre-back in January?
Yes
No
Palmer believes that Southampton are in a tough position losing Stephens to injury, telling This is Futbol: “They can’t buy anybody until the January transfer window. When you’re down to your bare bones, it’s very difficult.”
In their following Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hasenhuttl partnered Mohammed Salisu and Jan Bednarek at the heart of the Saints defence, with other centre-back Lyanco amongst the substitutes, whilst they concded three against Chelsea at Stamford Brdige on Saturday.
In their opening seven Premier League matches, Southampton have drawn four and lost three games, and had one of the best defences in the bottom half of the Premier League as they conceded just seven goals – prior to their latest loss against Thomas Tuchel’s men when that tally rose to ten.