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Southampton are set to begin their new Championship campaign this weekend with a home fixture against Wrexham.
The Saints were relegated to the Championship from the Premier League and have since appointed Will Still to spearhead the Saints this season.
There has been a lot of movement in and out of the club to ensure Still has the squad that he feels can earn them promotion back to the Premier League.
Southampton have seen a number of players depart the club, including Aaron Ramsdale heading to Newcastle United and full back Kyle Walker-Peters leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract.
This looks set to continue as Everton are pursuing Tyler Dibling, while Mateus Fernandes has seemingly become a target for West Ham.
Mateus Fernandes ‘wants to be’ at Southampton
Ahead of their season opener with Wrexham, Will Still held a press conference, with one of the questions relating to the future of their midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder has been linked with a move to West Ham in the past few days; however, Still is adamant he is happy on the south coast after being asked whether he was included in the squad to face Wrexham.
He said: “Matty was back in training, same thing, Tuesday. We’ve given him time and a bit of space and a bit of clear thought on what he wants to do.
“He’s missed a few days as well, or most of last week. So, he’s building back up to being ready. But he’s there. He’s confident. He wants to be here.”
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Southampton without a number of players for the Wrexham match
While Still confirmed that Mateus Fernandes will be included in the squad for the Wrexham match along with Flynn Downes making his way back from injury.
However, Southampton will be without a few of their stars due to injury, as Still explained in his press conference.
He said: “Charlie Taylor’s still got a couple more days in front of him before he can get minutes in his legs, but he’s been back in training for a few days.
“This is good, but he won’t be in the squad just yet. Will Smallbone has got a calf injury, so he’ll be out for a little while. James Bree, same thing.
“He’ll be out for a bit with his leg as well after coming off last weekend. And Taylor Harwood-Bellis is nearing match fitness.”
Meanwhile, the manager confirmed that Tyler Dibling, Sam Edozie and Joe Aribo won’t be included in the squad for the game as they decide where their futures lie, be that at Southampton or elsewhere.