Juan Larios opens up on injuries and his Southampton future

Stood on the sidelines at the Joie Stadium after Southampton's Premier League 2 play-off final defeat to Man City, Larios is happy to speak about his difficult time in red and white.

The Spaniard has played just once for the first team in the last 939 days. That appearance came in August's 5-3 Carabao Cup victory at Cardiff City. 

Larios entered in the 95th minute, replacing Tyler Dibling. Not long after he took his position, the referee blew his whistle. He didn't touch the ball.

Juan Larios injury troubles started after he was forced off against Newcastle in November 2022. Unlike every other senior player at Southampton, bar fellow injury-hit signing Ross Stewart, the end of this season came at the wrong time for the 21 year old.

Larios was starting to build momentum with the under-21s and was enjoying his longest run of games since joining Saints in the summer of 2022.

"I'm so, so happy that I've finished the season playing, being fit," Larios told the Daily Echo in his first-ever interview with local media.

"I don't know how many games I've played, I think 16. From January, I was ok, I was good to play, but we waited until February.

"(In) February, I started to play. I didn't play against Leicester because I was ill. I worked hard for this. I'm looking forward to next season.

"It's a pity now that I'm rolling and I'm getting into playing, the season is finished. I'm very happy about being fit for next season."

Juan Larios picks up his runners-up medal after defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League 2 play-off final. (Image: Craig Hobbs/Southampton FC) The road to recovery is often a lonely one. Long months, or years in this case, away from your teammates in the physio room can be tough.

Over the past two years, it was common to see Larios in one-on-one training sessions while walking through Staplewood to attend press conferences or player interviews.

In the eyes of many players, it's the isolation and the self-doubt, more than the physical challenge, that makes injury rehab so difficult.

"I had very, like, downtime," Larios admitted candidly. "I think for this run now to be ok was so, so important to get my mind strong.

"Everybody at the club was very patient with me. They bought me, and I couldn't do what they expected, but they were still patient with me.

"In this last year, I met people who really helped me to get back playing, and they are now part of my small team in Spain.

"I'm very grateful to them as well, and I'm really grateful to Southampton for allowing me to work with them and for staying patient with me."

In January of last year, Larios took to social media to implore supporters not to "retire" him, insisting he could do "127 rehabs if needed". 

Relax boys, i have a hamstring injury and won’t be for my entire life 😅, whenever i am good hopefully you able to see. During this time I’ve trained with the team and found myself in a good level, so its no panic and please dont retire me with 20 , i can do 127 rehabs if needed. https://t.co/vhQu2mtdjG

— Juan Larios (@juan_larios7) January 11, 2024

"Why I said about not retiring is, I can have 30 more injuries, but I'm still 21. I will always recover, and I will always work hard for recovery," he added, reflecting on that message.

"Injuries happen in football. It happened to me, and maybe it doesn't happen anymore. I work for that. If it happens, I'll be ready to prepare again and come back."

While the former Manchester City prospect has not factored into the senior plans this season, he has still had a major influence on Southampton's season.

The Spaniard is close friends with fan favourite Mateus Fernandes. The pair live close to each other in Ocean Village, and the Portuguese star is a regular at Larios' home.

Daily Echo Player of the Year Mateus Fernandes is close pals with Juan Larios. (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson) Larios played a role in Fernandes adjusting to life on the south coast. He helped the midfielder improve his English and showed him around the city.

"He's now my brother for life," Larios smiled. "I'm sure even if we are separated, we will still speak because I love him.

"Since day one, when he arrived, he texted me because we knew each other from before. Until the last day, I'll be with him, hopefully for many years. 

"I don't know where I'm going to be next season, or where he's going to be. Hopefully, he'll stay here. We need him."

🆕 Wholesome duo 🥰

Mateus Fernandes welcomes us into his home, featuring a guest appearance from @juan_larios7 🏡

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 31, 2025

Now, Larios just wants to play football. With players above him in the pecking order and a new manager to impress, he's conscious that those minutes might not come with Saints.

He has been linked with a return to Spain, and we understand that Saints staff would not be surprised to see him land an exciting move.

Larios also appears open to a move, six months after a desired exit failed to materialise, but he is also keen to pay back the faith shown in him.

Juan Larios during Southampton's Premier League 2 play-off final defeat to Manchester City. (Image: Photo by Craig Hobbs/Southampton FC) "I'm going to be honest because, in January, I wanted to go out, I was ready. The club kind of agreed," he explained when asked what the future holds. 

"Maybe they asked for too much, or we couldn't do it. I was looking for a loan, but there were no more international loans available, so I couldn't go.

"But still, I'm good with the club. I have no problems. We will speak, and let's see what they think about me for the future."

He concluded: "I'm sure they'll have a plan, and I will follow because I'm under contract. I'm going to do whatever they want me to do.

"I will give my opinion. I want to play. I think the most important thing for me is to be playing. That's going to help me more with the injuries, to play every week.

"I hope the club has something planned for me, and we will see. I'm happy that I'm ready for next season, for whatever comes."