Southampton's academy graduate learns Ivan Juric's brutal truth the hard way | OneFootball

Will Smallbone's injury-prone campaign takes a fresh fitness blow. The deep-lying playmaker has failed to receive the playing green light and will have to support his international teammates from the stands.

It's well documented that the Italian first division is one of the most demanding challenges in club football. Naturally, it becomes a no-brainer that strict training routines and match planning are implemented there to get the best playing level of the roster.

Acclimatised to those beliefs, Ivan Juric is also much particular when it comes to assessing the options at his disposal. And why wouldn't he? When the Croatian has become well familiar with his injury-ridden team.

Add the Wolves lineup mistakes and it's easier to conclude that Juric wouldn't want to keep taking more selection stresses instead of focusing more on the tactical matchday stuff.

Ivan Juric right to demand improved physical levels from Smallbone

Luckily for him and the Saints, there's a simple and grassroots solution which is to avoid physical complaints in the first place. In this area, Juric already gave some words of wisdom to Will Smallbone in the past few days.

Looking at his recent situation, the Southampton academy graduate seems to pay the price of downplaying Juric's advice. In case you missed it, Smallbone has been ruled out of the coming Nations League matchweek due to fatigue.

Now, Southampton should also start worrying about the absence of the 24-year-old. In an ideal scenario, they should but their misfortune makes them hardly bother about the latter's mishap.

This is because the timing of the defence-oriented midfielder's knock comes at a time when the Saints can count down their remaining stay in the Premier League.

Let's hope that this slipped international opportunity reminds Smallbone to put a greater emphasis on his physique. If he learns a valuable lesson here, the chances of him getting a good preseason game time may increase significantly.