The 7 players set to miss Sheffield United v Southampton | OneFootball

Both sides will be without a number of their key operators for the clash

Both Southampton and Sheffield United have suffered disappointing starts to the 2025/26 campaign.

The Saints arrived back in the Championship after a torturous Premier League gambit, one in which they won just two games all season.

Under new boss Will Still, they have picked up just one win in their first seven matches this term and currently sit 19th in the second-tier standings.

Sheffield United lost their first five matches of a Football League campaign for just the second time in their history this term and subsequently parted ways with manager Ruben Selles, who had replaced Chris Wilder in the summer.

Wilder is now back in the home dugout at Bramall Lane and recently led the Blades to their first victory of the season away at Oxford United.

Ahead of what is a vital contest for both sides, we’ve taken a look at seven players who could be set to miss out through injury.

Tahith Chong - Out

Sheffield United have had their fair share of injury concerns during the opening stages of this season, and they have contrasting news ahead of their next test.

Tahith Chong was set to make his full debut for the Blades against Oxford United, but was withdrawn from the starting 11 after a late fitness issue in the warm-up.

Wilder has revealed that the 25-year-old is going for a scan to find out the extent of the injury, which means that it doesn’t seem likely that he will make the home clash versus Southampton.

Jamie Shackleton – Out

Jamie Shackleton picked up an injury in pre-season and has yet to feature for Sheffield United this term.

With no news on a potential comeback, the 25-year-old can be ruled out of the Southampton contest.

Ollie Arblaster - Out

After a brilliant start to the campaign last season, Ollie Arblaster suffered an ACL injury in the Steel City Derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane in November 2024.

The midfielder is nearing a return to full fitness but remains unavailable for the foreseeable future.

Tom Davies – Doubt

In more positive news for Blades supporters, Tom Davies could be set for a return back to the Sheffield United squad.

Wilder revealed that the former Everton midfielder could’ve featured against Oxford United, but the Steel City side’s boss chose to play things safe.

It is yet to be seen whether Davies is risked against Southampton, but it could be a huge boost for the Blades if he can feature regularly once more.

Danny Ings - Doubt

Danny Ings falls inside the same boat as Davies, with Wilder previously going on record to state that the striker could feature soon.

The 33-year-old has played just 12 minutes for Sheffield United thus far, so would be another huge source of positivity if available for selection.

Samuel Edozie - Out

Southampton have less to worry about from a fitness point of view, but they won’t be expecting Samuel Edozie to feature against Sheffield United.

The 22-year-old suffered a number of problems during pre-season and has yet to feature for the Saints this campaign.

With no further news on his availability, it isn’t likely that he will make a dramatic return to face the Blades.

Welington – Out

Welington will be out of action for the foreseeable future due to an ankle injury he suffered against Stoke City in August.

“A couple of months” was the verdict given by Still at the time, which firmly rules him out of the Sheffield United contest.