SAINTS manager Russell Martin ruled James Bree out of the club's festive fixtures, as the defender requires a second scan on his injury. 

The 26 year old was substituted during Southampton's 1-0 win over QPR on December 23 before missing the 5-0 Boxing Day victory over Swansea City.

Saints are set to welcome Plymouth Argyle to St Mary's and visit Norwich City within the next week and Bree is expected to play no part.

Replaced by Ryan Manning, Bree suffered a reported hamstring tweak at Loftus Road and was scanned the following day on Christmas Eve. 

Asked for an update, Martin told the Daily Echo: "We need to get a second opinion because of Christmas and stuff, but he won't be back for this period of games.

"Hopefully, we will have a bit of a clearer idea by Tuesday. He has a few days off to enjoy now as we can't do anything more than ice it.

"He has had an initial scan but he needs another one because there was a lot of swelling. He will have that early next week."

He continued: "We will then see the true extent of it but we won't see him back this next week. I also don't think it will be a Kamaldeen Sulemana or Ross Stewart situation.

"Hopefully, it will be on the lower end. Hopefully, I will be able to tell you by the end of this run of games."

Bree was signed from eventual Championship playoff winners Luton Town in January and has made 17 appearances for the club.