Saints could be missing 3 of their squad for the visit of Manchester United at St Mary's, but the visitors could be without as many as 6 players, as Ten Haag strives to get the Red Devils season back on track.
Manchester United arrive at St Mary's on Saturday knowing that if they lose Southampton will jump above them on goal difference.
But their task will be made that much more difficult by the fact that they could have as many as 6 players out through injury.
Ex Saints left back Luke Shaw is yet to play for United this season and indeed hasn't played for them since February, although he did feature in the Euros in the summer, he still has issues with his calf, but is said to be nearing recovery, as mentioned he managed 3 games in the Euros, including 90 minutes in the Final when England lost 2-1 to an 86th minute goal.
So it is surprising that he is still not fit 2 months after that game and his 147 minutes of football in that tournament is his only game time since mid February.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund was signed for £64 million, but is yet to feature after picking up a hamstring injury in pre season, so it would be surprising if he was to be in the squad, if he was like Shaw it would be doubtful if he would start.
Another doubt is centre-back Victor Lindelof, but he too has not featured this season.
Those are the three whose level of fitness is unclear and could make surprise appearances, but Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and summer signing Leny Yoro are the three United players who are definitely ruled out for this game, of the trio only Mason Mount has had any game time this season, playing in United's 2 opening Premier League games, but going off injured at half time in the second of those.
So that is 6 players out and four out of the six would be expected to be involved if fit, Luke Shaw & Mason Mount are both experienced Premier League players and as mentioned Hojlund cost £64 million with Yoro coming from Lille for £52 million, they would be expected to be making a contribution, but Malacia from Feyenoord for just £13 million perhaps more of a squad player.
Southampton themselves have 3 injury issues, but the good news is that none of them are critical to the squad, Gavin Bazunu has been out since last season and we now have Aarron Ramsdale in to replace him, Kamaldeen Sulemana nearly left last week and has been injured since pre season and hasn't played since coming on as a sub at Elland Road in the final day of the regular Championship season on May 4th.
The last injury issue is Ross Steward who managed just 4 brief cameo appearances last season after joining back in August 2023, so again it is not a player we would miss.