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Saints Injury News


SAINTSFC.CO.UK: / News / Archive / Injury news

Saints have suffered yet another defensive injury blow ahead of tomorrow's home game against Sheffield Wednesday.Phil Ifil picked up a painful ankle injury in Saturday's 2-1 win over Leicester and looks likely to be sidelined for around a fortnight.At the time he thought it was a kick but he has since learned it was a twist and he now needs a scan to assess the damage.The talented full-back will definitely miss the clash against the Owls and almost certainly Saturday's visit of Hull - tickets for both are on general sale, book online.That makes Ifil the seventh defender ruled out for tomorrow while there is still a question mark over Jhon Viafara who has recently deputised in the centre of defence.He missed Saturday's game with a neck and back problem but has trained today and hopes to figure tomorrow if there is no reaction.Definitely out of the back line are long-term casualties Claus Lundekvam and Chris Makin plus Alexander Ostlund, Darren Powell and Wayne Thomas.Ostlund and Powell hope to be back in training by the end of the week but are unlikely to be match-fit for Saturday.Thomas is recovering from an injection in his Achilles and has an outside chance for the game against Hull depending on how he reacts.
And Saints have a doubt over Nathan Dyer who came off at Leicester following a kick on the shin and is rated only 50-50.He will have a fitness test tomorrow but Inigo Idiakez will be at least another fortnight.
Manager George Burley said: "Inigo has had a scan which shows a tear in the Achilles and he will be out for another couple of weeks."We are hoping Alex, Darren and Wayne will be back in the next week or so but Phil Ifil took a whack on an ankle and is out for a couple of weeks."Jhon trained today and we are hoping he will be OK for tomorrow. He had a back problem last week but trained on Thursday and then developed a stiff neck."In all, we had 12 players missing training today which is a whole team. That is why it is important everyone does their job and sticks together."We are again missing a few tomorrow so it will again be a case of sticking together, working hard and defending for our lives."The squad is a bit depleted with a number of experienced players out but those who have come in have done well and I am sure they will do again."