Joe Aribo continues to sit out of the match-day squad for Southampton F.C. despite the start of the 2025-26 Championship campaign, a situation addressed by Will Still ahead of the clash with Swansea City A.F.C.
Still revealed that Aribo, who made 37 appearances and scored three goals last season, was absent from selection because he missed much of pre-season training and "has not yet done enough in training to merit a place in the team."
The midfielder was heavily linked with a move away from St Mary’s during the summer transfer window however, no deal materialised and Aribo remains on the club’s books.
Still added "They’re still with us but they’ve missed a whole chunk of pre-season, and we have to be fair and honest with everyone … but you’ve got to make them decisions."
Aribo has yet to feature in any competitive fixture in the current campaign, and with the January transfer window looming, he may now be looking at regaining full fitness or securing a move to revitalise his career.
Editorial
When a player of Joe Aribo’s profile consistent, dependable and once a key figure sits out matches, the reasons run deeper than mere selection. In his case, the combination of a failed summer move and a truncated pre-season could be symptomatic of wider issues: fitness, focus and club-player alignment.
Southampton’s stance, as articulated by Will Still, is uncompromising: no matter the reputation, performance in training and readiness still matters. This is not about punishment; it’s about maintaining standards. Aribo’s absence, then, tells us less about his talent and more about the fine margins in professional football the difference between being available and being reliable.
For Aribo, this is a crossroads. The January window looms as both opportunity and risk to fight back into his club’s plans or to seek renewal elsewhere. For Southampton, the message is clear loyalty is appreciated, but readiness is essential. The burden now falls on the player to rebuild trust, regain form, and re-make himself part of the narrative rather than an aside.
In the modern game the player’s value is not just technical but behavioural: name alone won’t guarantee inclusion. Aribo’s journey reminds us of that truth in stark terms. He remains capable, but now must prove that capability aligns with commitment. When the whistles blow next, it’s not enough to be good you must be ready.
Did You Know?
Aribo made 37 appearances across all competitions for Southampton in the previous season, registering three goals.
He was heavily linked with a departure during the summer transfer window, but no deal was concluded.
Will Still described Aribo’s absence from the squad as a result of missing "a whole chunk of pre-season" training.
Aribo has yet to feature in any competitive match for Southampton so far in the 2025-26 Championship campaign.
With the January transfer window approaching, Aribo’s next few months are likely to be pivotal either to reclaim his place at Southampton or to seek a fresh start elsewhere.