Zach Abbott, the Nottingham Forest defender Lincoln City reportedly discussed taking on loan in the summer, could get a run in Southampton’s side after Keven Schlotterbeck dislocated his shoulder.
Abbott replaced Schlotterbeck early in Southampton’s 1-0 defeat at Preston North End and played 79 minutes at centre-back in only his second appearance for the Saints. His debut had come at right-back in October’s win at Norwich City, so Deepdale was his first chance to play in his preferred position for the club.
The Daily Echo’s Alfie House reports that Schlotterbeck could be out for up to six weeks, although he may return sooner if his recovery goes well. Southampton host Derby County on 21 November, when head coach Tonda Eckert will have to decide who comes in at centre-back. While Abbott is one option, Saints Marching have suggested Nathan Wood could also come back into contention. The former Swansea City defender last played in the league at Wrexham in September and was left out of the squad at Preston, a decision Eckert put down to selection.
Abbott told Southampton’s official website he was happier with how he played at centre-back at Deepdale than he had been with his display at right-back at Norwich. He also said Eckert had noticed the work he was putting in during training.
“Every day I keep trying to show it in training. The gaffer’s noticed it, he’s told me that, and I’m itching for a lot more.”
Why a Lincoln City loan didn’t happen
As we reported in October, Forest’s loans and pathway manager Owen Coyle spoke to the Imps throughout the summer window about Abbott. City reportedly liked the player, but with Sonny Bradley, Deji Elerewe, Ryley Towler and Tom Hamer already in the squad, we couldn’t offer him the game time Forest wanted for him.
Coyle said Southampton believed Abbott could break into their side, and the Saints signed him on a season-long loan on deadline day. He’s had to wait for a chance at centre-back, but after getting the call at Preston, he could now get a start against Derby.
Abbott came through Forest’s academy and made his senior debut against Grimsby Town in the League Cup in 2022, before starting against Manchester City in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley three years later. He made three Premier League appearances and played five times in the Europa League last season, having captained England at the 2025 European Under-19 Championship. A run in the Southampton side would give him the chance to build on that experience with regular league football.
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