‘Find a solution’ – Martin reacts to losing key trio to suspension against Chelsea

SAINTS coach Russell Martin is frustrated by the suspension of three key players against Chelsea but stressed they will “find a solution”.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes and Tyler Dibling were given one-match suspensions for a total of five yellow cards during Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Brighton.

Martin will have to make do with the trio of key players when they welcome Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea to St Mary’s.

Asked about the loss of Downes, Dibling and Harwood-Bellis, Martin said: “I think the frustrating thing for us is that a few of them are causing disagreements and other things on the pitch that shouldn’t be happening.”

“If there are good fouls and good yellow cards for the team, as was the case with Tyler Dibling, then you can accept that.”

“We asked for more aggression and that’s what we got. It will be hard (without her).

“We have to find a solution and reshuffle the team. We had to do without Adam and Janny B, they are big players for us.”

“I thought the substitutes that came on did very well. It’s an opportunity for other people, but of course we will miss her.”

Martin will not be able to replace Downes with Lesley Ugochukwu as the Frenchman is not eligible to play against his parent club.

Alex McCarthy and Paul Onuachu are also questionable after the pair failed to feature at the Amex Stadium on Friday evening.