Southampton has played four league games this season without picking up a point; therefore, this Saturday’s matchup between St Mary’s and Ipswich Town is crucial for both sides.

Russell Martin signed 14 players for the first team this summer, but Southampton found it difficult to let go of several players who don’t seem to have much of a future with the organization.

Due to this, Martin was left with an overinflated team, as players like Armel Bella-Kotchap, Paul Onuachu, and Kamaldeen Sulemana were all anticipated to have left in the summer.

Now, all three will stay with the team until at least January, as no other club can match Southampton’s assessment of Onuachu, while Bella-Kotchap and Sulemana are both certain to miss out on moves.

Armel Bella-Kotchap left out of Southampton squad against Everton

Since Onuachu does not suit Martin’s coaching philosophy, it is unlikely that he will be added back into the fold, since Sulemana is currently sidelined.

Nonetheless, given that Bella-Kotchap, 22, is perhaps the greatest center-back in the team, there was hope that the Saints manager would give the 22-year-old an olive branch.

Bella-Kotchap appeared to have the ideal opportunity to return to the starting lineup in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup match against Everton, but Martin passed him by and did not even name him on the bench.