Southampton failed to continue their momentum in the race for automatic promotion as they lost 2-1 to Cardiff City on Saturday.
Russell Martin rued his side’s wastefulness, as a first-half laden with chances only yielded a solitary goal.
Joe Aribo has been impressive recently and was the first to react to sweep home a 12th-minute strike.
As then game went on a familiar feeling emerged, and Southampton succumbed to two second-half strikes to leave them five points off of Ipswich Town in second with just three games remaining.
Southampton lost undisputed first-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu to an achilles injury that will keep him out well into next season in the warm-up on Tuesday night.
Experienced stopper Alex McCarthy has been selected in the Irishman’s place, whilst the Saints also had to try and make do without Flynn Downes against Cardiff as he picked up a knock in Tuesday’s 3-0 win.
Ryan Manning has been much improved recently, but was forced off at half-time in the defeat at Cardiff to add to Southampton’s problems.
However, it has now emerged that a key player is unlikely to play again this season to further compound Martin’s misery.
Stuart Armstrong to miss rest of Southampton season
That player is 32-year-old Stuart Armstrong.
The Scotland international has featured in all but one game in the Championship this season, highlighting his importance to the side.
According to Transfermarkt, Armstrong has scored five league goals and provided seven assists in his 42 Championship appearances. However, his impact is far more than just goal contributions as he constantly finds pockets of space and drives into the final third to create for his side.
Martin spoke on just how good the ex-Celtic midfielder is in January, as he said: “I think Stuey has been amazing for us and from where he was at the very start of the season to where he is now, I’m really proud of him.”
Armstrong was in visible discomfort as he left the pitch on a stretcher, with it looking as though his planted foot was the culprit of the injury as he fell awkwardly.
Martin confirmed Southampton fans’ biggest fear in the aftermath of the game, explaining: “He will be out for the season I would have thought. It’s a bad one.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed that it’s not as bad as everyone fears.
“He is on crutches. It’s a really tough day for us all and I’m gutted for him. He played so well today as well. He will be a big miss.”
Will Smallbone must step up as Armstrong replacement
The Saints boss will now have to make do without one of his most reliable performers.
With the play-offs the most likely outcome following the Cardiff defeat, Armstrong’s influence – as well as the responsibility he takes – will be difficult to replace.
With Joe Rothwell failing to impress since joining on loan from Bournemouth in January, his two braces off the bench aside, that burden is likely to fall on Will Smallbone.
The 24-year-old has had a decent campaign for the club where he came through the academy, but has faced some difficult spells.
Martin is very fond of Smallbone and spoke of his delight at the reception the midfielder got following an impressive performance in the 4-3 win over Birmingham City. This just days after he faced heavy criticism for his display in the FA Cup against Liverpool just days earlier.
Speaking on the Irish international at the time, Martin said: “The lads love him, the fans love him. Hopefully everyone’s really seeing what he has to offer.
“He’s a brilliant player and an even better character, and for him to score the goal – I said to him there’ll be a chance for you at some point. I was completely guessing, but I hoped, and it’s fallen to him and he’s tucked it away.”
Smallbone operated as the deepest midfielder in Downes’ absence against Cardiff which came as a surprise given how well Shea Charles performed off the bench in midweek.
However, with Armstrong out, he will have to play a more attacking role as he has done recently alongside Aribo when Armstrong lost his place following a concussion sustained on Easter Monday.
With five goals and three assists this season he is certainly capable of performing that role.
Armstrong’s contract is set to expire in the summer, so this represents a huge opportunity for Smallbone to show he is the man to step into the Scotsman’s shoes.