Ruthless Russell Martin of Southampton confirms Sky Sports report Very not conditional

The Saints will be without Ryan Manning for their next game.

Southampton boss Russell Martin believes his team are good enough to cope without Ryan Manning after the defender picked up a suspension against Hull City, making this claim to the Daily Echo.

The ex-Swansea City man, who sealed a reunion with Martin in the summer following their time together in South Wales, was walking a tightrope coming into that game at the MKM Stadium.

He was on four yellow cards at the time and would have been keen to avoid picking up a fifth and a one-match suspension, but he did against Liam Rosenior’s team.

That means he will be out of action for their game on Wednesday evening against Preston North End, who have made a very positive start to this campaign after missing out on the play-offs last term.

This is a blow for the Saints considering Manning has been a very important part of the south-coast side’s first team this season, starting all but one of their league games this season and playing a half in the match he didn’t start.

Not having him in the first 11 is a particularly bad blow for them because Juan Larios is currently on the sidelines.

And their departures during the summer window didn’t exactly help either, with Tino Livramento able to operate on both sides but being sold to Newcastle United.

Romain Perraud and Thierry Small, meanwhile, were sent out on loan.

With Manning also out of action for a game now, Kyle Walker-Peters may need to step up to the plate and play on the left-hand side.

Although his natural position is on the right, he could be the most suitable option to replace Manning.

Regardless of what Martin does though, the Saints’ boss believes his team have enough about them to cope without the Irishman.

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