Claude Puel may have no choice but to play the kids against Norwich City with three of his key players set to miss the game through injury.

Steven Davis will again be missing from the Saints line up as he has not yet recovered from the injury that kept him out of the Burnley game.

But more worrying is the news that both Virgil Van Dijk and Ryan Bertrand look set to be rested with minor knocks although no final decision will be made until the day.

That will leave Puel with a real problem in defence should both fail to pass muster, If Bertrand doesn't play then Sam McQueen could step into the breach as he has done ably this season and he should be good enough against a Championship side.

But the biggest problem is in the centre where he will only have one experienced central defender available should VVD not be fit.

His options in the centre to partner Yoshida would seem to be Martina who has played there during his time in Holland or Jack Stephens who had a successful time in that position during his loan spell at Swindon.

My money would be on Stephens, it is important to give him some game time in his normal position and normally this would be the ideal time to do it apart from our current situation and form which means that Puel must win this game or see the supporters turn on him further.

Other than these three and the long term injuries, Puel will have a full squad to pick from so should be able to send out a strong side that can tame the Canaries.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters