Darren Powell will sit out tomorrow's friendly against his former side Brentford due to his suspension - even though the first game of his ban is not until the opening day of the season.
That is because the actual period of Powell's suspension, which he received after being red-carded against Bournemouth two-weeks ago, starts 14 days after the sending-off, which is tomorrow.
So even though Powell's ban is for three competitive games - the first two league games against Crystal Palace and Norwich and the league cup-tie in between at Peterborough - he will also be unavailable for the trip to Brentford.
An FA spokesman confirmed: "Darren Powell is suspended from August 4 until the club have completed three competitive first-team fixtures. The suspension period kicks in two weeks after the red card".
On the injury front, Adam Hammill is in line for a return to the Saints squad for tomorrow's game.
The 19-year-old winger has been struggling with a calf injury he picked up in the 2-1 win at Bournemouth on July 21 and wasn't risked in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Millwall.
But the teenager took part in the open training session held at St Mary's yesterday as part of the club's family Funday and is expected to be okay to play some part at Griffin Park tomorrow.
Keeper Kelvin Davis could be a surprise inclusion in Burley's squad for tomorrow's game against the League Two side.
He has responded well to treatment on the finger he dislocated against Millwall.
But the game against Brentford will come too soon for midfielder Jhon Viafara, who has been unable to shake off a groin injury he suffered in the warm up ahead of the Lazio friendly last week.
Claus Lundekvam has been given two weeks off as he struggles to recover from the ankle injury he suffered last April.
Andrew Surman is a doubt for tomorrow's game after picking up a knock against Lazio.
Burley said: "Fitness wise, Adam should be fit.
He trained today so should be fine for Saturday.
"Jhon is still going to be out unfortunately. He got injured in the warm up at Lazio. He hurt his groin and unfortunately is still feeling it slightly".
"Kelvin's dislocated finger has settled down very quickly so he might be available".
Viafara's absence means he will head into the new campaign without any friendly games under his belt, following an extended lay-off due to his involvement in Colombia's summer Copa America campaign and now injury.
And Burley added: "It's a little bit of a concern that he hasn't seen any pre-season action.
"Being in the Copa America we gave him some more time off. It would have been nice for him to have an outing but hopefully it's not too serious".
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