Saints are almost certain to have to do without Youssef Safri for at least three more games.

The Moroccan midfielder is away with his country on Africa Cup of Nations duty and yesterday captained his side to a resounding 5-1 win over Namibia in their opening group game.

That result puts Morocco in a strong position to qualify for the last eight and would rob Saints of his presence for at least their next three games - the FA Cup tie with Bury and Champion-ship fixtures with Norwich and Crystal Palace.

Saints have missed Safri since he went away with Morocco and manager George Burley has repeatedly said how hard it is to find a midfield balance without him sat in front of the back four.

Initially, Saints tried Jason Euell and Inigo Idiakez in those central midfield roles but then swapped with Euell partnering Jermaine Wright for the game at Plymouth.

Either way, Safri has been sorely missed.

If the wheels come off for Morocco and they end up crashing out despite their heavy win against Namibia, then Safri could travel back shortly after their final group game against Ghana next Monday - in time for the trip to face in-form Palace at Selhurst Park.

But that seems unlikely.

Though their victory was very much against the minnows of the group, favourites and hosts Ghana, also in Group A with Morocco, overcame Guinea in their opener.

Morocco are big favourites to beat Guinea themselves when the two teams meet on Thursday.

If they do, and as long as Ghana don't lose to Nam-ibia in what would be an unbelievable shock, Safri's team will go through.

The quarter-final will take place on February 3 with the final on February 10.

If Morocco were to go all the way, Safri wouldn't be expected to return to Saints until the match with Plymouth at St Mary's on February 16.