Southampton have started to stagger in the race for promotion from the Championship in recent weeks.
The Saints recently saw a club record 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions come to an end.
Since then, their form has dipped considerably. Russell Martin‘s side have now lost four of their last five competitive games.
As a result, it now looks set to be a big ask for Southampton to secure a return to the Premier League this season, certainly via automatic promotion.
Beyond that, it could also arguably highlight one particular area in which the club need to strengthen at St Mary’s when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
Flynn Downes a big miss for Southampton
The last game of that 25-match unbeaten run, saw the Saints record a thrilling 5-3 win over Huddersfield Town.
That was also the last match that Flynn Downes appeared in for Southampton. The on-loan West Ham midfielder was forced off early in that match, having picked up a knock.
While Martin has since suggested he is hopeful of having the 25-year-old back soon, he is yet to return to action.
With that, it now seems evident that the centre of the park is one area where Southampton must bring in reinforcements this summer.
Saints have struggled to replace Flynn Downes
Since Downes has dropped out of the side, the Saints have looked to use a number of different options in the centre of the park.
Shea Charles was initially brought in for the first two games, but was substituted having struggled to get to grips in both of those.
It was Joe Rothwell who was then given his chance against Hull City. However, the Bournemouth loanee squandered a big chance in that game with the scores goalless. He then gave away possession to gift the Tigers their second goal in a 2-1 win before being substituted at half time.
In Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Millwall meanwhile, Joe Aribo was also brought into the starting XI, but unable to complete a full 90 minutes.
Admittedly, there were some improved performances from those individuals in the FA Cup clash between Southampton and Liverpool on Wednesday night.
However, those will need to be produced on a more consistent basis. They were also combined with a more below par performance off the bench from another midfielder in Will Smallbone.
As a result, right now it appears that Southampton are struggling to find a set of options they may be capable of relying on week in, week out, without Downes in the side.
Given he is set to return to West Ham in the summer – when Rothwell will also be returning to Bournemouth – there are therefore going to be some considerable voids to fill in the centre of the park.
Considering how they appear to have missed Downes in recent weeks, bringing in the right players to do that, could be vital for Southampton.
