'He's not' - Southampton's £3.5m risk set to backfire after injury news

Southampton loanee Will Smallbone picks up a niggle in his already injury-plagued spell at Millwall.

Southampton have recently been lucky to have a clean bill of health ahead of the final stretch of the season. With Léo Scienza’s return imminent after the March International break, the Saints are set to return to full fitness soon.

However, Southampton hasn’t been completely spared from all fitness concerns. The Saints recently received an update on loanee Will Smallbone’s injury during his spell at fellow Championship club Millwall.

Will Smallbone has suffered another setback in what has already been an injury‑plagued 2025/26 campaign. The midfielder’s availability for the decisive stretch is in doubt after he picked up discomfort in the training session last week.

As quoted by Southwark News, Millwall boss Alex Neil updated on Smallbone’s injury, saying: “He’s picked up a niggle. He’s not going to be available for the next couple of weeks. It’s one we need to revisit probably in a few days’ time. It’s not crystal clear.”

Will Smallbone’s injury-plagued Millwall spell continues

Smallbone has long been viewed as a brilliant midfielder at Southampton, if only he could overcome his fitness concerns. Having had an injury-ridden campaign in the Premier League last season, the Saints offloaded Smallbone to Millwall in the hope that he could rediscover his form.

Unfortunately, the move has proved a downhill spell for Smallbone. While Millwall push for promotion and contend for a runner‑up finish in the Championship, Smallbone owes little credit for their success.

That’s because the Southampton loanee has barely made nine appearances for Millwall so far this season.

Having picked up a hamstring injury within weeks of joining Millwall, Smallbone spent around five months on the sidelines recovering from the muscle concern. After recently returning in the first week of March after a long injury absence, his latest niggle rules him out for another significant spell on the sidelines.

Going by manager Alex Neil’s comment, Smallbone likely picked up his injury during the preparations for the Ipswich game. But what seemed a minor niggle could now end his season abruptly.

It’s clear that Smallbone’s constant fitness issues have pushed him down the pecking order at Millwall. Even if he returns in the coming weeks, he’s unlikely to be given another chance in the decisive stretch of their promotion push.

While it might feel unlucky for the talented midfielder, it’s been another disappointing season for Will Smallbone.

What next for Will Smallbone?

According to Transfermarkt, Smallbone’s current market value is around €4m(£3.5m). Given his latest injury blow, this figure could only plummet until the summer transfer window arrives.

Will Smallbone’s Millwall loan has been a disaster. Unless he somehow becomes their promotion hero in the remaining games, the Lions are unlikely to consider a permanent move for him. This leaves a Southampton return as the only possibility for Smallbone at the end of the season.

Will Smallbone’s situation isn’t much brighter back at Southampton. While he’s valued as a homegrown talent, the Saints have a host of in‑form midfielders, Flynn Downes, Caspar Jander, Shea Charles, and Cameron Bragg, all ahead of him.

Factor in that Smallbone’s contract expires this summer, and his future looks increasingly uncertain. If Southampton win promotion to the Premier League, the likelihood of them moving on will only grow stronger.

Though this consideration makes his future look bleak, a scenario could save Smallbone from hitting free agency in the summer.

It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Tonda Eckert has coaxed the best out of several players during his time at Southampton. The most striking example has been the redemption of James Bree.

If Tonda sees something in Smallbone that could add to his Southampton side, the manager could take a flyer on him. Still, that scenario likely only exists if Southampton are preparing for another Championship season.

For now, Smallbone’s case is one to watch this summer. While the outlook isn’t promising for the midfielder, a miracle could see him continue at Saints next season.