Saints suffer blow as goalkeeper set to miss rest of season

SOUTHAMPTON may have gained ground in the promotion race but they did suffer a blow in their 3-0 win over Preston.

Leicester City’s promotion rivals saw their goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, left, an ever-present before Tuesday night’s game, suffer an Achilles injury in the warm-up at St Mary’s and it’s expected to be a problem that keeps him out beyond the end of the season.

Like City with Mads Hermansen, Southampton use Bazunu almost as an outfield player when they’re in possession, and his absence could be damaging for Russell Martin’s side, particularly in those big games against City and Leeds.

However, they didn’t have any trouble without him on Tuesday night.

England international Alex McCarthy was called up to replace Bazunu against North End in what was his first appearance since August and the Saints were dominant throughout. Martin said: “I don’t expect to see Gavin any time soon at all.

“I am devastated for him, but we’ll support him in the best possible way because it’s the way this club is.

“He’ll get all the support he needs and we really hope for good news, but probably fearing and expecting bad news.”

Southampton will also be missing striker Sekou Mara when they head to the King Power Stadium next Tuesday.

The £11 million forward has been handed a three-match ban for violent conduct after he was deemed to have struck Watford defender Ryan Porteous.

The incident was missed by the on-field officials, but the FA charged the France Under-21 international a couple of days later, with Mara accepting the charge.

His three-game ban covers Tuesday’s win over Preston, Saturday’s meeting with Cardiff, and then the trip to Leicester next week.