Southampton got hit with a huge blow over the international break as reports emerged that Taylor Harwood-Bellis is injured.
The news which no doubt hit Russell Martin hard, the injury to Taylor Harwood-Bellis sees one of Southampton’s key players absent.
Harwood-Bellis is said to have picked up an injury last week while away with England’s under-21s as he missed fixtures against both Serbia and Ukraine.
Martin will be gutted to have learned of this injury news, which sees an already weak position further weakened. Harwood-Bellis only arrived at St Marys’ in the summer on loan from Man City.
With multiple centre halves let go in the summer, Martin now finds himself with just two senior options in the position; these being Jan Bednarek and Mason Holgate.
Following the news, journalist Dean Jones has reacted while speaking with GIVEMESPORT.
Jones reacts to Harwood-Bellis injury
Dean Jones explained his sympathy for Martin and the injury situation he finds himself in with such a huge absence.
“Yeah, it would be [a blow]. He’s played a significant role this season and obviously, of all of the things that have gone wrong for Southampton, at least they had the makings of a partnership that was showing real promise.
“You’ve got both ends of the equation there in terms of youth, experience, and hope, and then you’ve also got someone of such experience in Bednarek, so it’s a real blow for Southampton if he’s going to be out for a while.
“Obviously, they are getting back in and need to check him out thoroughly, and they won’t take any risks on him. But from a Southampton perspective, they really will hope they can get him back in that team as soon as possible.”
Southampton will likely now consider moving Shea Charles – who was sent off for Northern Ireland this week – back into defence from his more favoured midfield slot. Or play Holgate who has looked poor on almost every outing this season.