English Premier League
Will Still explains Joe Aribo’s absence from Southampton squad
By Dayo Awoniyi
Southampton manager Will Still has cited missed preseason training and intense competition for places as the primary reasons behind Joe Aribo’s absence from the first team this season.
Aribo, a Super Eagles midfielder and one of the Saints’ most experienced players, has yet to feature in a competitive match in the 2025/26 campaign, following a summer of uncertainty that saw him linked with moves to Rangers and Besiktas.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Still said the 27-year-old’s lack of preseason fitness has made it difficult to justify his inclusion over other in-form players.
“Joe Aribo and Samuel Edozie are still with us, but they missed a whole chunk of preseason, and we have to be fair and honest with everyone,” Still stated.
“Who are you taking out? Leo Scienza, Tom Fellows, Finn Azaz, or Jay Robinson? These are tough calls and honestly, they’re crap decisions, mate. But we have to make them.”
Aribo, who joined Southampton from Rangers in 2022, was a regular feature during the club’s time in the Premier League. However, following the Saints’ relegation and managerial changes, his role has diminished significantly.
Still, the 33-year-old Belgian tactician, who replaced Ivan Juric earlier in the season, is under mounting pressure, with Southampton currently 16th in the Championship, having collected just 12 points from 10 matches—10 points behind leaders Coventry City.
Aribo now faces stiff competition in midfield, with Shea Charles, Flynn Downes, Caspar Jander, Kuryu Matsuki, and Moses Sesay all ahead of him in the pecking order.
His future involvement remains uncertain as Southampton look to regain form and climb the table in the coming weeks.
