Southampton have been dealt a major blow ahead of their clash against Leicester City on Tuesday evening.
Enzo Maresca‘s side secured a close-fought victory against West Bromwich Albion on the weekend and certainly had to ride their luck at times.
Leicester were second best for large periods but ultimately took their moments which hasn’t always been the case this season, particularly in recent weeks.
They play host to fourth-placed Southampton at the King Power Stadium tomorrow, as one key player has been ruled out for the visitors.
Stuart Armstrong ruled out of Leicester City clash
Stuart Armstrong has enjoyed a productive season for Southampton and has looked every inch of a Premier League player.
The former Celtic man has registered 12 goal contributions from midfield and is without a doubt one of the most creative players for the South Coasters.
Such is why his absence will be a major blow, as Russell Martin confirmed he’ll be out for the remainder of the campaign.
“I think we’re doing everything we can to get him fit for the Euros with Scotland,” the Southampton boss said on Monday.
“I think he has a big chance for that. I don’t think he has any chance of playing for us. He has a big hope of getting in the Scotland squad because he’s been fantastic for them and for us this season.”
Southampton may also be without Flynn Downes
Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes has been one of the standout performers in the Championship, though, he may miss Tuesday’s clash, too.
Downes was absent from Saints’ 2-1 defeat at Cardiff City on the weekend and Martin confirmed that he remains a doubt.
“We’ll wait and see because now the landscape’s changed a little bit. So, it’s risk and reward I think with Flynn, we’ll see if we want to rush him back fit,” the former Swansea City manager said.
So Leicester may well be up against a Southampton side missing two key players, which they must capitalise on.
Admittedly, Martin’s side have quality elsewhere on the pitch, but the aforementioned pair are absolutely fundamental to his system.
The Foxes have to put them under the cosh from the first whistle and start much better than they did against Albion.
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