SOUTHAMPTON are likely to be without defender Kyle Walker-Peters ahead of their crucial midweek clash against Preston at St Marys.
Walker-Peters was subbed off with a suspected hamstring injury during their 3-0 FA cup defeat against Liverpool just over a week ago.
But manager Russell Martin assured fans that the defender will not be out for an extended spell when he explained “He won’t be out for very long, tomorrow will be a stretch I think.
“But it was really good news with Kyle, he will hopefully be involved in one of the two after that, or both I hope.
“If not he will definitely be back after the break.”
Southampton take on Preston at St Marys with the race for automatic promotion still wide open.
But a resilient Preston, who are unbeaten in their last seven league games, stand in the way of three points for Martin’s Southampton.
Speaking about the opposition, Martin said “We’re meeting them at a very difficult time because they are in a really great place.
“They’re very physical, very strong, athletic and powerful and really good at what they do and how they play.”
Southampton defeated Birmingham City 4-3 on Saturday thanks to a 96th minute winner from Joe Aribo, while Preston drew 0-0 at home to Hull FC.
Alongside Walker-Peters on the side-lines, Ryan Fraser is expected to be out until the end of the month, while Ross Stewart and Juan Larios remain longer absentees.
As for Preston, manager Ryan Lowe will not have to worry about any fresh injury concerns, and will be boosted by the return of midfielder Duane Holmes.
In the reverse fixture, the sides drew 2-2.
