More injury woe for Republic of Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone

Southampton and Republic of Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone faces another spell on the sidelines and will miss Saturday's Premier League game at Manchester City.

Smallbone returned from a five-match lay-off due to a hamstring injury in last Saturday's home defeat to Leicester and played through the pain barrier after sustaining a similar problem.

Saints had already sent on all five replacements as Leicester fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and boss Russell Martin revealed Smallbone had "soldiered on" after Ryan Fraser's straight red card.

Martin said: "Will Smallbone is out now for a little bit of time, which is really frustrating and disappointing for us."

The Southampton manager did not give a specific period of absence, so it is unclear if Smallbone will be available for the mid-November international window games with Finland and England.

Saints are one of four Premier League sides who remain winless after their first eight matches and face the daunting task of adding to their single-point tally against Pep Guardiola's reigning champions.

Fraser is suspended and Japan defender Yukinari Sugawara is doubtful after being withdrawn against Leicester.

Martin also confirmed forward Ross Stewart is not ready to return after sustaining a calf injury in the recent defeat at Arsenal.

"Yuki had to come off, so we're having to manage him a little bit this week," Martin said.

"Another 24 hours will depend on if he's ready to start or not, so we'll have to make a decision on that."

Martin defended his decision not to utilise Adam Lallana off the bench against Leicester last weekend and said the former Liverpool midfielder still had a crucial role to play this season.

"He was going to come on the pitch on Saturday and we go down to 10