Saints boss Russell Martin expressed frustration over losing three key players to suspension against Chelsea but vowed to “find a solution.”
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes, and Tyler Dibling will miss Southampton’s clash with Chelsea after each received a one-game suspension during the 1-1 draw against Brighton, having accumulated five yellow cards.
Saints boss Russell Martin faces a challenging task without the trio of key players as they prepare to host Enzo Maresca’s side at St Mary’s. Reflecting on the suspensions, Martin admitted, “The frustrating thing is that a couple of the yellows were for dissent, which shouldn’t happen. If they’re good fouls, like Tyler Dibling’s, you can accept it.”
Martin acknowledged the difficulty of replacing the suspended players, especially given injuries to other squad members. “We asked for more aggression, and we got that. It’s going to be tough, but we’ll find a solution and shuffle the pack. We’ve been without Adam and Janny B, and they’re big players for us.”
The manager remains optimistic about his squad depth, praising the impact of recent substitutes. “It’s an opportunity for others, but of course, we’ll miss them.” However, he won’t be able to call on Lesley Ugochukwu, who is ineligible to face his parent club, while Alex McCarthy and Paul Onuachu are doubts after missing the Brighton match.
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