GRAEME Le Saux's season is over after a scan revealed he has torn a hamstring.

The recurrence of a recent problem will take a minimum of three weeks to heal, sidelining the left-back until after the final game of the campaign at Charlton.

Le Saux has had a terrible time with injuries ever since last November, but has made 21 appearances this season.

Michael Svensson (bruised knee) also remains a doubt for Saturday.

That could mean Fitz Hall starting alongside Claus Lundekvam in the centre of defence, with Danny Higginbotham at left-back.

The other option is to play Stephen Crainey or move Paul Telfer to left-back.

Rory Delap has been forced to pull out of the Republic of Ireland squad for tonight's friendly in Poland. Although he is unlikely to be available against Chelsea, he does have a chance of being back before the end of the campaign.

Delap has a relatively minor strain of the medial ligament in his left knee, but hopes to recover in time for the last three games.

With Matthew Oakley and Jason Dodd both out for the season, Saints - who have just 16 outfield players available for Saturday at present - are hoping Marian Pahars, Claus Lundekvam, Anders Svensson, Antti Niemi, Neil McCann and Stephen Crainey avoid injury when they play for their countries tonight.