Things were going so brilliantly for Southampton in the Championship until the final few games before the international break.

The Saints had effectively put their four-point deduction from the start of the season behind them and moved up the table under Tonda Eckert, but a draw at West Brom and a defeat at lowly Preston North End last week saw progress stall ahead of the two-week break.

That setback was unexpected, and an early injury to Keven Schlotterbeck may have upset Southampton’s solid defence, which saw little-used Nottingham Forest loanee Zach Abbott come on for a rare appearance with Jack Stephens.

Zach Abbott has struggled for game time at Southampton.

Southampton pounced late in the summer transfer window to bring Abbott to St Mary’s Stadium, signing the 20-year-old London native on loan until the end of 2026-27.

Abbott, who can play both right-back and center-back, appeared 10 times for the Tricky Trees in the Premier League and UEFA Europa League last season, but with Oliver Glasner adding additional defenders to his squad over the summer, the teenager was loaned out.

Southampton, on the other hand, is yet to find a starting slot for Abbott, who had to wait until October 14 to make his debut against Norwich City, where he received a first-half yellow card and was replaced by Eckert at half-time.

Relegated to the bench following that, Abbott was given an opportunity due to Schlotterbeck’s unfortunate shoulder injury against Deepdale, which could lead to another start after the international break.

Nottingham Forest pondering recalling Zach Abbott – Southampton supporters react

It’s unclear whether Abbott will stay in Southampton for much longer.

According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest are considering bringing Abbott back to the City Ground during the January transfer window due to his current lack of minutes at St Mary’s.

Of course, this might alter depending on how long Schlotterbeck is out, but Abbott will most likely compete with Nathan Wood for the slot next to Stephens in Eckert’s starting center-back duo.

This Southampton supporter believes Abbott and Wood should start together, with Stephens omitted.

Millwall and Preston North End will be on red alert for Zach Abbott’s short-term future.

Abbott did not play a competitive game for Forest this season before being loaned out, therefore a recall could lead to him joining a new club.

According to Alan Nixon’s research in August, a number of clubs were interested in giving him the opportunity to play Championship football, including Millwall and Preston North End.

While neither team signed him for the first half of the season, considering their respective situations, there may be renewed approaches in January.

Millwall’s starting right-back Tristan Crama is struggling with injury, having made only five appearances this season, and Abbott might fill in, allowing the Frenchman the opportunity to partner Jake Cooper at the heart of defence once more when fit.

Preston have been particularly leaky this season and are currently at the bottom of the Championship standings, so bringing in a new defender – whether on the left or right side – could be useful for Graham Alexander come January.