SAINTS boss Russell Martin has ruled winger Sam Edozie out until the end of January through injury.

The 20 year old was forced off in the first half against Norwich City on New Year's Day following a rough challenge by Jack Stacey.

Speaking after the game, Martin was unhappy with the tackle, which injured Edozie's ankle, and pointed out how it should have been a red card.

The England youth international had featured in the last six games, scoring three goals.

When asked for an update on Edozie's fitness Martin said: "He is going to be out for this month.

"Hopefully, he will be available end of this month or early February. It won’t be a lengthy one. It was a terrible challenge. It should have been a red card. 

“It is a real shame for Sam because he had hit his stride and was playing really well. He will come back and be a real boost for us.

"We have a big and good enough team to get through until then. People need to step up and take their chances. I’m looking forward to having them back and getting the depth.”

Another player on the Southampton physio bench currently is James Bree. The full-back missed most of the festive period of games after being withdrawn early at QPR.

It took time for Saints to learn the extent of his injury given the limited timescale to get his injury scanned around Christmas.

“We will try to get him back a little bit quicker than the end of the month,” Martin told the Daily Echo.

"It all depends on him and where he is at. You are disappointed for any player to get injured, but when a player has worked hard to get back in it is tough to come out."