SAINTS captain Michael Svensson will sit out Sunday’s Championship clash with QPR.

The Swedish defender has made a remarkable return this season following the best part of four years out and five operations on his knee injury.

Svensson’s problem is even more untimely with Wayne Thomas also a major doubt for the game, leaving Jan Poortvliet to pick from teenagers Oliver Lancashire or Jack Cork.

The Swede is one of TEN ever presents in the league after four games, but has sat out both of Saints’ midweek Carling Cup ties against Exeter and Birmingham.

Head coach Poortvliet has revealed that Svensson reported a slight problem with his knee when the players returned to training this week and said he wouldn’t be fit to resume action following the international break at Loftus Road.

Saints have carefully managed Svensson’s comeback this season and, not wishing to push him too far too soon, he has yet to play two games in a week.

Both Svensson, who is currently working on a weights programme to strengthen the muscles around the knee, and Poortvliet hope he will be available to face Ipswich at St Mary’s next Wednesday.

But Poortvliet will give the 31-year-old the final say on when he is ready to make a return. “Michael will be not playing on Sunday,” Poortvliet said.

Full story in today's Daily Echo