The Worst Part; Southampton handed  a concern ahead of Leicester City

                       The Worst Part; Southampton handed  a concern ahead of Leicester City

Southampton have been handed a big injury concern ahead of Leicester City’s visit to St Mary’s.

City make the journey down south on Friday night for the televised Championship clash. The game sees two promotion favourites face each other in what could be a crucial clash come the end of the season.

The international break has given both managers the chance to work with their squad ahead of what will be a hectic few weeks. Like Enzo Maresca at City, Russell Martin also joined his club in the summer and is working to implement his style of play.

Both managers have though had players away on international duty over the last two weeks, and it’s there where the injury worry has come for the Saints. After playing the full 90 minutes of all five Championship games so far, central defender Jan Bednarek may be a doubt for the clash vs City after coming off injured while on international duty for Poland.

After earning praise for his performance in the 2-0 win against Faroe Islands on Saturday, the defender started the 2-0 loss vs Albania. He was however substituted due to injury in the 34th minute of the game.

The extent of the injury has not yet been disclosed, but it does make him a major doubt for the game vs City. If he is ruled out, it does leave Southampton short on defensive options .

New signing Mason Holgate struggled in last week’s 5-0 defeat against Sunderland. But injury to club captain Jack Stephens means that he and fellow summer arrival Taylor Harwood-Bellis will be the only natural centre-backs available to Martin.

The Southampton manager could also turn to midfielder Shea Charles, who is able to drop from a midfield position into the back line.

City meanwhile, have been given a boost with the news that Conor Coady has returned to training over the international break. The centre-back suffered a fractured foot during pre-season, but the game against the Saints may come too early for the summer signing.