SAINTS boss George Burley admits he can't expect key defenders Claus Lundekvam and Darren Powell to go the entire 2007/08 campaign without getting injured.
Burley faces the distinct possibility of being without both his first choice centre halves for the Championship curtain-raiser against Crystal Palace at St Mary's in just over a fortnight's time.
Powell is definitely out through suspension while Lundekvam could be short of match fitness.
In that event, and should Burley fail to bring any defensive cover in, he would almost certainly have to play Pele alongside Chris Makin in the middle with Alex Ostlund at right back and Rudi Skacel at left-back.
Makin has always played as a full back but has had short run-outs as a centre half for Saints in pre-season.
Burley is again being linked with a move for Reading's 28-year-old centre half Sam Sodje.
Full story in today's Daily Echo.
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