RUSSELL Martin has provided an update on Jack Stephens after a nasty injury and admitted Saints may need to "fear for the worst".

Southampton's new captain was forced off after just 25 minutes having sustained an injury to his left leg.

Stephens required the assistance of two physios as he left the field to be replaced by the debuting Flynn Downes.

Speaking after his side's 2-1 victory against QPR on Saturday, Martin said: “It’s a real negative for us. 

"It looks like a bad one. I think we need to fear the worst on that one, unfortunately. If it’s anything better than the worst I’ll be happy.

“I’m absolutely devastated for Jack if it’s as bad as we think, but we will have to wait and see.”

Stephens has inherited the captain's armband since James Ward-Prowse's transfer to West Ham United.

The armband was passed on to Stuart Armstrong when the defender left the field midway through the first half.

Mason Holgate was signed on loan from Everton on Friday, but the deal was not completed in time for the 26 year old to be in contention for the QPR game.

Armel Bella-Kotchap was also named on the bench for the tie at St Mary's for the first time this season having worked his way back from injury.