Saints look likely to be without at least three members of their squad for the trip to Burnley on Saturday, as well as long term injury Charlie Austin, although there is one good bit of news.

Saints will be without Shane Long, Steven Davis and Maya Yoshida for the trip to Turf Moor on Saturday, although Sofiane Boufal looks set to return to the squad.

All were missing from the win at West Brom in the FA Cup after being injured in training in the run up to the game at the Hawthorns.

Yoshida is the most serious with a knee injury that is set to keep him out for at least a month, however the Japanese defender is not a first choice defender at the moment with both Wesley Hoedt and Jack Stehens now ahead of him in the pecking order, but if either should get an injury or suspension then it will be a case of throwing in Jan Benarek untested in the Premier League so far, or adapting.

Shane Long and Steven Davis could return for the visit of Stoke, although it is not uncommon for Mauricio Pellegrino to try to confuse the opposition by claiming a player is unfit only to find him in the squad a day or so later.

Sofiane Boufal though looks set to be back in the party to travel to Lancashire and that will be boost for the manager and give him another attacking option.

Speaking ahead of the game Pellegrino said.

“Yoshida ? Minimum he will be four or five weeks.

“Last week I said everybody is ok and then last training session three or four players out.

“Maybe Sofiane will be involved in the team but maybe Shane and Davo have to wait another week.

“Football has this unpredictable moment and you cannot control this but hopefully in the next few weeks everybody will be alright.”

Pellegrino also gave an update on Charlie Austin, who, like Yoshida, isn’t expected back for four-five weeks.

“We are talking about this period of time,” he confirmed.

Photo: Action Images

A1079 added 20:50 - Feb 22 So the board and club knew that they were going to sell VVD in the January transfer window, sold him even before the window officially started, had no replacement lined up, went through the whole transfer window with no prospect of bringing a replacement defender in and now we have to rely on Hoedt and Stephens not getting an injury (both of which have their weaknesses). All this with one of the most important stages of the season ahead of us. Not only is this a repeat of the Jose Fonte saga but is plain negligence and stupidity and is tantamount to putting our status in the PL at risk. But, don't worry, we have loads of money in the bank growing interest ready for our campaign next season.

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patred added 21:39 - Feb 22 Let's hope Bednarek is up to it if Hoedt or Stephens pick up knocks. Long and Steven Davis we can cover.
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PatfromPoole added 22:14 - Feb 22 Could Pied play CB if need be? Guess Bertrand could also cover CB, with McQueen coming in at LB; not ideal though.
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skiptonsaint added 23:33 - Feb 22 Gotta hope a few of our rivals have a few injury problems as well Carrillo has got to get in the mix with some goals as he started on Sat with Tadics goal
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TimSaint added 01:17 - Feb 23 Burnley too have their fair share of injuries that include Heaton - GK Defour - Mid Brady - Mid Walters - Striker Plus another 5 coming back from injury that are unlikely to start, but a couple may make the bench. (Wood, Tarkowski, Marney, Bardsley and Arfield) We seem to perform better away from home, so here's to another away win this weekend.
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