MANAGER Russell Martin insisted there has been no change to Armel Bella-Kotchap's situation amid the defender's exclusion from the squad.

Centre-back Bella-Kotchap, 22, has made only one appearance for Martin this season, having returned from a loan spell at Eredivisie outfit PSV.

That was a substitute cameo in the Carabao Cup at Cardiff City back in August to put the German in the shop window, where he will return in January.

Martin appeared to rule out Bella-Kotchap's return to the Saints team despite an injury to Polish international Jan Bednarek in a fresh update. 

Asked if there has been any change to Bella-Kotchap's situation, Martin told the Daily Echo: "No, not at the moment."

Russell Martin is showing no signs of re-integrating the defenderRussell Martin is showing no signs of re-integrating the defender (Image: Stuart Martin)

And probed on what is not happening for that to still be the case, Martin continued: "Nothing, I just think we have four other centre-halves.

"Flynn has played there for us at Swansea as well. I think it's about playing style and fit, that's all it's about, it's never personal.

"Armel is clear on his situation, we've spoken a lot and been honest with each other and I'm sure he's another who will see what the situation is in January."

Saints had agreed a deal to sell Bella-Kotchap to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in the summer before the move fell through with the defender in Germany.

He remained in his home country looking to tie up a contract elsewhere before returning back to England having exhausted all of his options.

Former VFL Bochum ace Bella-Kotchap will be up for sale again when the winter transfer window opens on January 1 but is contracted at St Mary's until 2026.