MANAGER Russell Martin fears Will Smallbone "tweaked" his hamstring during Southampton's 3-2 defeat to Leicester on Saturday.

Smallbone, 24, made his return from injury when he came off the bench but had to play the final 15 minutes with an injury.

The Basingstoke-born midfielder entered just after Leicester pulled a goal back to make it 2-1 but was left devasted at full-time.

Jordan Ayew's 97th-minute winner skipped past him as he was held back by Wout Faes from a corner.

Southampton also lost Japanese defender Yukinari Sugawara to an injury after he never fully recovered from a harsh kick by Jamie Vardy.

Speaking at St Mary's, Martin said: "Will played the last 15 minutes with an injury. It looks like he's tweaked his hamstring again which is really disappointing for him and for us.

"He soldiered on and battled through the last 10-15 minutes with that for the team because that's the kind of guy he is.

"I think we got it in half-time and we started the second half so well. Then they scored out of nowhere.

"We had to make a sub for Yuki which disrupted us a little bit. Ryan Fraser broke through a couple of times after that and we looked really dangerous still.

"I thought we've coped with that really well and then he gets sent off and it changes everything."

Martin had admitted he "always feels better" when Smallbone is "in and around the group" prior to facing Leicester.

The Irish international had missed the last five games after sustaining an injury while away with his country in September - and looks set for more time on the sidelines.

Southampton visit reigning Premier League champions Manchester City next weekend as they continue to search for their first win of the season.