SAINTS boss Russell Martin is hopeful James Bree's injury is not "a bad one" because the defender was able to continue playing at QPR on Saturday.

Bree was replaced on 32 minutes in Southampton's 1-0 win over QPR, having initially tried to continue after suffering a knock.

Asked by the Daily Echo for an update on Bree's fitness, Martin admitted it is too early to judge.

He said: “Breezy’s replacement was enforced. The fact he was able to carry on (is good). He doesn’t think it’s a bad one. 

“He felt something tweak, so something will have happened. We have a fantastic sports science and medical team, but we don’t have much time with it being Christmas.

“We will do our best to get it scanned to see the extent of that. I will have a more clear answer at that point.

“With Breezing being injured and Shea (Charles) being suspended that will deplete our squad even more.

"There will be a chance for some of the young players to be on the bench for sure.

“We will need to manage that as best as we can over the next few days to make sure we keep putting in performances that are as good or better than this one.”

Bree has featured 10 times in the Championship for Southampton this season and recorded his first assist against Blackburn last weekend.