Southampton manager Russell Martin has said that hopes to have Taylor Harwood-Bellis back for Saturday’s home match against Birmingham City.
The 21-year-old had picked up an injury whilst on international duty with England’s under-21s, but managed to return to play the full 90 minutes of last Saturday’s win over Hull City.
However, he was omitted from the squad from Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw with Preston North End.
Martin hopes to have defender back for Saturday
Martin told the Daily Echo following the Preston game that Harwood-Bellis could not travel, but will hopefully be back in contention at the weekend.
“Taylor couldn’t travel because he had an injury before but we hope to have him back on Saturday.
“We knew on Saturday as we were touch and go then. His mentality meant he played when maybe others wouldn’t, I think it’s fair to say.
“He has such a warrior mentality. It was difficult to lose him and we adapted the team a little bit to utilise what we’re good at.”
Will be good to have 21-year-old back
Losing Harwood-Bellis was always going to be a blow, especially with the lack of options Saints currently have at centre back.
Saints only have three fit, senior, natural centre backs at the moment in Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek and Everton loanee Mason Holgate.
Jack Stephens is still nursing a calf injury he picked up at the end of August, and is not expected to be back until next month.
So it is fortunate for Martin that Harwood-Bellis’ injury is not serious. Saints also have Shea Charles who can play at centre half, too.