Preston vs Southampton injury news: Kenny out as Saints hope for Scienza return

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Preston vs Southampton injury news centres on Johnny Kenny’s hamstring problem and Leo Scienza’s potential return ahead of Saturday’s Championship meeting at Deepdale.

Preston are without Kenny and suspended midfielder Leo Leroy, while Southampton are hopeful Scienza can return after missing the midweek draw at West Brom. Cyle Larin and Caspar Jander remain fitness doubts.

The match kicks off at 3pm UK time on Saturday 7 November.

Preston injury news: Johnny Kenny ruled out

Kenny suffered his injury during Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Sheffield United. The striker pulled up while chasing a pass and was replaced by Callum Lang in the 13th minute.

Graham Alexander subsequently confirmed a hamstring problem, with a scan required to establish its severity. Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, as reported by the Lancashire Evening Post, the Preston manager indicated that the absence could stretch into weeks.

There is no confirmed return date. Kenny is unavailable against Southampton, leaving Alexander to change his attack.

Leo Leroy suspended as Preston’s absences mount

Leroy serves a one-match suspension after collecting his fifth booking of the season against Sheffield United. His absence is disciplinary rather than another injury setback.

Ali McCann, Harry Clarke, Lewis Gibson and Liam Gibbs also remain sidelined, according to the latest Preston team news.

There is better news on Greg Docherty. The midfielder signed on Friday and is eligible to make his debut, giving Alexander another option with Leroy unavailable.

Preston player	Status against Southampton
Johnny Kenny	Out – hamstring injury
Leo Leroy	Suspended – five yellow cards
Ali McCann	Out
Harry Clarke	Out
Lewis Gibson	Out
Liam Gibbs	Out
Greg Docherty	Eligible to make his debut

Caleb Wiley returns to Preston contention

Caleb Wiley made his first appearance under Alexander against Sheffield United, coming on at half-time after almost two months without playing.

That return gives Preston another option on the left. Alexander also explained that Stanley Mills had been struggling with cramp when he was substituted against the Blades, rather than announcing a new injury.

Southampton injury news: Leo Scienza return hoped for

Scienza was a late withdrawal from the squad that drew 1-1 at West Brom. Eckert said the winger had been experiencing pain, but remained optimistic about his chances of facing Preston.

“I am very hopeful for him to feature for Saturday,” Eckert said in Southampton’s official injury update.

Scienza should therefore be treated as a possible return rather than a confirmed starter. Southampton have not announced their matchday squad.

Cyle Larin and Caspar Jander remain doubts

Larin has missed Southampton’s last three matches. Earlier in the week, Eckert explained that the striker’s problem involved the lower part of his hamstring and that the club needed to weigh up the risk of bringing him back.

Jander has been dealing with a muscular problem picked up in training. The midfielder missed the win over QPR and the draw at West Brom.

In the latest official update, Eckert said: “For Caspar and Cyle we will need to assess.” Neither player has a confirmed return date.

The manager’s earlier explanation of Larin and Jander’s fitness concerns makes clear why Southampton are taking a cautious approach before the international break.

Southampton player	Issue	Status
Leo Scienza	Missed West Brom through injury	Hopeful of returning
Cyle Larin	Hamstring problem	Doubt – assessment required
Caspar Jander	Muscular injury	Doubt – assessment required

What the team news means for Saturday

Analysis: Preston must replace Kenny and Leroy, so Docherty’s arrival offers a timely additional midfield option. Wiley’s return also increases Alexander’s choices, although the continuing absences limit how much he can rotate.

Southampton’s selection depends on the final assessments. Scienza would strengthen their attacking options if cleared, but hopes of a return should not be confused with confirmation that he will start.

Preston host Southampton at Deepdale at 3pm on Saturday. Follow our Championship news for further team updates and match coverage.

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