ALAN Pardew admitted Adam Lallana is facing a “struggle” to be fit for Saints’ League One curtain-raiser against Plymouth.

Lallana has been troubled by a knee injury which has meant he has yet to make a pre-season appearance.

He was in contention to return against Sutton but failed to recover in time and sat out the game.

Jason Puncheon, who is nursing an ankle problem, was also absent and both have already been ruled out of tomorrow night’s friendly at Puncheon’s former club Barnet.

And while he was hopeful that Puncheon will recover in time to face Reading at St Mary’s on Saturday, Pardew was less confident about Lallana’s chances.

Asked whether he thought both would be fit in time for the visit of Plymouth, Saints' opening day opposition on August 7, Pardew said: “Adam has got a struggle.

“But we need to be able to cope without him anyway.

“It looks obvious that we are going to need some cover in those areas when those two are not involved.

“The next couple of weeks I would look to bring in a couple of players if I can to strengthen us offensively a bit.”

Summer signing Ryan Dickson is another injury concern.

The left back limped off after just 20 minutes against Sutton with a hip injury.

Pardew said: “There is a problem with his hip flexor and unfortunately we will have to see how that responds.”