What Will Still said about Jack Stephens situation at Southampton after Sheffield United omission | OneFootball

Jack Stephens was absent from Southampton's 2-1 win over Sheffield United

Will Still has dismissed any concerns about Jack Stephens’ future with Southampton amid concerns of a falling out behind the scenes.

The defender was absent for the Saints’ 2-1 victory away to Sheffield United on Tuesday, which raised some concerns over his future at the club.

A report about a dissatisfied unnamed player at a struggling Championship side has led to some speculation that the club captain could be the man in question.

The Hampshire outfit have struggled for form since the beginning of the new campaign, with the 2-1 result at Bramall Lane being their first win since that opening day victory over Wrexham.

Southampton are aiming to earn promotion straight back to the Premier League this season, but a poor start has left them in the bottom half of the table going into October.

Will Still dismisses Jack Stephens concern

Still has clarified that Stephens was absent from Southampton’s midweek clash due to fitness concerns instead of any kind of falling out behind the scenes.

The 32-year-old coach has dismissed the idea that there has been any kind of issue with the club captain, and that he missed the victory due to a twisted ankle, reiterating their strong relationship.

"He blocked a shot yesterday in training, twisted his ankle, and it's blown up," said Still, via the Daily Echo.

"That was an annoying one.

"Annoying for him and for us, but it's nothing more.

"People think we've fallen out? No, he's here, I love Stevo, he's fine."

Southampton earned their second victory of the season due to a brace from Ross Stewart in the second half, which overturned their 1-0 deficit to Sheffield United.

The Saints climbed the Championship table, but are still sitting in the bottom half as we enter October.

Still will be keen to see his side continue their winning ways when they play this weekend in what will be their final fixture before the international break.

Next up for Southampton is a trip to face Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

Will Still has eased supporters' concerns

Losing Stephens for the Sheffield United clash did raise eyebrows as rumours were rife of a fallout on social media.

The defender is an important part of the club, and any kind of falling out with Still would not go down well.

So the coach has done well here to clarify that it’s just a minor fitness issue and he should be back in the side in the near future.

He may yet miss the clash against Derby this weekend, but it’s likely he’ll be back in the side in time for the return from the international break.