Southampton remain in contention for automatic promotion, and they have recently received a significant boost ahead of the season’s final ten games.
Russell Martin’s side are fourth in the Championship, nine points behind Leeds United at the top of the table with two games in hand.
Many have written about the Saints’ automatic promotion hopes, but this may be a good thing for Martin and his players as the pressure builds on the three teams ahead of them.
Southampton has two games in hand on Leeds and Ipswich, and if they win both, they will be two points behind Ipswich and three points behind Leeds with two games remaining.
Key injuries are also beginning to heal, with Ryan Fraser nearing a return to play after missing two games.
Ryan Fraser spotted back in Southampton training
Southampton posted a sneak preview of Monday’s training session on their X (previously Twitter) account, and eagle-eyed fans noticed Fraser in the video.
Ryan Fraser spotted back in training👀#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/lTHFuejx1K
— Saints Socialite (@SaintsSocialite) March 25, 2024
The Scotland international appears to have returned to first-team training after missing time with a knee injury.
The 30-year-old, who is on loan from Newcastle United, has had a great season on the South Coast and was emerging as a talisman in the weeks preceding his injury.
Fraser has eight goals and three assists in all competitions this season, and his return will be a huge help coming into the final stretch of the season.
Ryan Fraser can help Southampton both on and off the pitch
Southampton’s roster is relatively young, with several players having never competed in a promotion campaign before.
Martin chose a Saints eleven with an average age of 23 years and six months old earlier this season, making it one of the club’s youngest lineups in history, according to Transfermarkt.
when a result, the need for leaders will be critical, especially when the promotion race heats up, and Fraser is one of the more senior members of the changing room.
The jet-heeled winger has made 344 senior games and been promoted twice with Bournemouth.
Even if he just plays a minor role between now and the conclusion of the season, he can still make a significant impact off the field.
Fraser could leave at the end of the season if the Saints decide not to make his loan agreement permanent, so he’ll be hoping to leave with a promotion medal.
