Harry Redknapp has 12 days to solve his defensive dilemma and turn a string of draws into wins.

The Saints boss will return from an international break without centre halves Claus Lundekvam and Darren Powell who have started all but one of the club's 12 Championship games together so far this season.

Lundekvam is out for a month with a stomach injury while Powell will serve a three-game ban after referee Graham Poll decided there was violent conduct involved when Kevin Doyle was floored by Powell in the match against Reading.

Redknapp has been boosted by the return of Michael Svensson from injury who has insisted he can keep up with the pace of having to play three times in a week.

But it still leaves the Saints boss with a dilemma as to who to partner him with.

As well as trying to sign at least one player on loan, Redknapp will also hope to use the break to bring Marian Pahars back to fitness.

The Latvian striker has made two appearances from the bench after 18 months out and many feel his inclusion in the team could lead to more goals up front.

So far Saints have struggled to convert the chances to turn a run of seven consecutive league draws into wins.