Martin explains why Southampton will not rush Downes back

The West Ham United loanee missed Southampton's trip to Cardiff City on Saturday, which resulted in an agonising 2-1 defeat. 

The defeat leaves Saints five points off second with only three games to go in the Championship, including trips to Leicester and Leeds. 

Saints have only won two of their nine games without Downes since the 25 year old signed on loan in the summer. 

Asked about his fitness, Martin responded: "We'll wait and see because now the landscape's changed a little bit.

Flynn Downes was substituted at half-time against Preston (Image: Stuart Martin)

"So, it's risk and reward I think with Flynn, we'll see if we want to rush him back fit," he added.

"We also have other guys that need to get on the pitch and stake a claim now for the final stages of the season so we'll have to wait and see." 

Saints visit Leicester in their penultimate away match of the season looking to find their rhythm again ahead of the playoffs. 

The Foxes sit top of the division with 91 points from 43 games, despite having lost six of their last 11 matches in the league. 

Saints lost the reverse fixture 4-1 in September and will be looking to avoid suffering a league double defeat for the first time since 2011-12.

Previewing the contest, Martin said: "On Saturday, we created more clear-cut chances I can remember in any game.

Saints should have been clear winners at Cardiff City Stadium (Image: PA)

"I think on another day we'd probably win that game. The quality of the football to create chances was incredible.

"Obviously, the frustration and negatives are we then go and lose the game, which is unacceptable.

"We weren't able to see it through and that's my fault so now I need to make sure the players are ready for what's coming tomorrow and make sure that we bounce back.

"The final destination doesn't change what we want to achieve and what we want to do, but how we do it might have to change a little bit.

"I think these three games right now are incredible for us in any way it goes, whatever happens with other results, in preparation for what could be a huge three games at the end of it as well.

"So it's exciting, but it's also frustrating and painful and that's football. It was a really difficult game for Leicester on the weekend, but they found a way to win.

"They're still on track to get 100 points, so to still have some negativity there around that I think shows you how tough this season has been."