Despite sitting 20th in the Premier League table, looking at things in a vacuum, the Saints squad has genuine quality.

That in itself is part of the frustration at such a disappointing season but it’s a fact supported by their extensive list of players who have departed the South Coast for international duty this week.

Only counting those in Ruben Selles’s first-team squad, Saints have 13 players absent from Staplewood with more recognition for the youth teams and loanees.

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The first priority for Selles and Saints will be for those 13 to return to Southampton fully fit and healthy for the conclusion of the relegaton battle.

We’ll keep you updated with their progress throughout the break but here are the Saints stars to look out for…

Gavin Bazunu - Republic of Ireland

Vs Latvia - Wednesday, March 22, 7:45PM

Vs France - Monday, March 27, 7:45PM

Saints' starting goalkeeper is once again part of his country’s senior squad and aiming to pick up his 14th and 15th caps. Ireland first face Latvia in a friendly on Wednesday evening before coming up against France in Euro 2024 qualification.

The last time the Republic of Ireland played - in November - the goalkeeping duties were split with Bazunu chosen for the first friendly against Norway before Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher was picked for the second against Malta.

However, Bazunu was the starter for Ireland’s most recent competitive fixtures and after a promising run of form for Saints, he will be hopeful of keeping a firm grip on the number one shirt.

Mohammed Salisu and Kamaldeen Sulemana - Ghana

Vs Angola - Thursday, March 23, 4:00PM

Vs Angola - Monday, March 27, 4:00PM

It’s a big week for Ghana as they prepare for a pair of games against the steepest competition in their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying group.

With both the Black Stars and Angola sitting on four points after two rounds of games, the two clashes this week could prove decisive in settling the group E standings.

With the top two sides from each group qualifying for the tournament, Ghana should be in good shape regardless, but that won’t stop them from going all out for top spot and Saints duo Kamaldeen and Salisu should be crucial components.

While Kamaldeen didn’t start any of Ghana’s three World Cup matches, he came off the bench for two of them and will be hoping his regular status in the Premier League will be enough to help him earn his 16th cap.

Meanwhile, Salisu started all of Ghana’s World Cup games and should continue to feature heavily for his nation.

Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo - Nigeria

Vs Guinea-Bissau, March 24, 4:00PM

Vs Guinea-Bissau, March 27, 5:00PM

Two players who have struggled for regular minutes in recent weeks, both Onuachu and Aribo will be hoping to reignite their stuttering seasons while on international duty with Nigeria.

Onuachu has made six Premier League appearances since his January arrival but he hasn’t started any of his side’s last four games, operating as Saints’ third-choice striker at times behind both Che Adams and Sekou Mara. Meanwhile, Aribo hasn’t even been in the matchday squad since Ruben Selles took over as manager.

The attacking duo will be looking to prove their worth to their club manager as they face Guinea-Bissau twice, home and away. Nigeria currently sit first in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group with their opposition in second.

Jan Bednarek - Poland

Vs Czech Republic, March 24, 7:45PM

Vs Albania, March 27, 7:45PM

It’s unclear how much of a role Bednarek will play with his country after a rib injury forced him out of Saints’ 3-3 draw with Spurs. The good news is that Polish reports have stated that the centre-back did not suffer a broken rib and he has stayed with the national team for the time being.

With Bednarek becoming a crucial element of Saints’ improved defence, Selles and supporters would probably prefer for him to sit out the next two weeks rather than play in Poland’s two Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Romeo Lavia - Belgium

Vs Sweden, March 24, 7:45PM

Vs Germany, March 28, 7:45PM

Despite Lavia being only 19-years-old and in his first season of professional football, it still feels as if it’s taken way too long for the midfielder to earn his first senior call-up to the Belgian national team.

It’s possible he would have made it onto the plane for the World Cup had he not been struggling with a hamstring injury but his time has now finally arrived. Belgium face Sweden in a Euro 2024 qualifier before visiting Germany for a friendly.

Saints fans will be pleased to see Lavia’s impressive form rewarded but mostly they will be holding their breath that he returns to the South Coast healthy and ready for the rest of the Premier League season.

Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong - Scotland

Vs Cyprus, March 25, 2:00PM

Vs Spain, March 28, 7:45PM

Regulars for their nation over the last few years, both Adams and Armstrong have been chosen by Scotland once again. Adams has re-established himself as Saints starting striker in recent weeks and Selles needs him at his best through the rest of the season. 

Things haven’t been as easy for Armstrong but he did start the final game before the international break.

Scotland start their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with games against Cyprus and Spain.

Mislav Orsic - Croatia

Vs Wales, March 25, 7:45PM

Vs Turkey, March 28, 7:45PM

With Duje Caleta-Car not selected once again, Orsic is Saints’ sole representative for Croatia and his chances of a major role seem limited.

Yet to start for Saints in the Premier League, Orsic’s January move has been a giant failure thus far and it’s costing him with his national team manager Zlatko Dalic.

"I feel sorry for Orša, he is not part of the club, but I don't want to lose him,” Dalic said. “He is not in shape, but I want to give him a chance to try to come back.

“If he doesn't constantly play in the club, unfortunately, he won't be able to play for the national team either."

Orsic needs something to change quickly or his Saints and Croatia careers are in serious jeopardy.

Moi Elyounoussi - Norway

Vs Spain, March 25, 7:45PM

Vs Georgia, March 28, 5:00PM

While some find it tough to accept, Elyounoussi continues to be a central figure under the third Saints boss of the season. 

With Norway, he has the chance to reach a milestone as he sits on 49 caps heading into his country’s games with Spain and Georgia.

Moussa Djenepo - Mali

Vs Gambia, March 24, 7:00PM

Vs Gambia, March 28, 5:00PM

One of quite a few players on this list who could use more minutes under their belt, Djenepo has fallen back into the fringes of the Saints squad after regular appearances at the start of the season.

The winger has only played six minutes of Premier League football in 2023 but will be hoping to notch his 30th and 31st caps for his country in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gambia.

Samuel Edozie - England U20

Vs Germany U20, March 22, 5:30PM

The final member of Saints’ senior squad heading off for international duty, Edozie finds himself in a similar boat to Djenepo, Orisc, and Aribo.

No doubt a talented player, the winger’s opportunities have dried up under Selles and after a promising period working with Nathan Jones, Edozie has now failed to make the matchday squad for each of Saints’ last six league games.

Edozie will be joining up with England’s U20s as he looks to continue his strides towards a senior cap at some point down the line.