Just as he was starting to look the part in the centre of the Southampton Defence, Taylor Harwood-Bellis has had to return back to Staplewood for treatment picked up in training for the England U21 squad.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis was expecting to be playing for the England U21 squad over the next week, instead he is back in Southampton and will be at Staplewood receiving treatment for a hamstring injury.

It is unclear how serious the injury is at the moment and Saints will be hoping that it is something that can be cleared up in the next 8 days so the Manchester City loanee is fit to play against Hull City.

So instead of taking on the U21 sides of Serbia & Ukraine he will be on the treatment table.

Harwood-Bellis had been gaining in confidence and stature in every game and it will be a big blow, however Saints do have options,

Most likely candidate to replace him if he fails muster will be Mason Holgate who although not yet impressing Saints supporters, does have experience of playing well in the central defensive positions in the Premier League for Everton.

Other options could include James Bree who played there for Luton Town.

Photo: Action Images

A1079 added 12:12 - Oct 13 None of our injuries ever seem to be short term minor ones. They nearly always seem to be to key players who just start to show some form and then are out for an age. I have no facts whatsoever to support that statement by me other than gut feeling and frustration. Holgate from what I have seen of him has been very poor but have to hope he comes good if he is the replacement. When is Jack Stephens due back?

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Bowlercow added 14:27 - Oct 13 To lose him now is a massive blow He is better than any of the alternatives we have You know you get those seasons when one thing after the other goes wrong especially when things are looking a bit better. I think we may be about to have one of them
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highfield49 added 18:04 - Oct 13 Admittedly Mason Holgate hasn't delivered to expectation but the good news is that the next two matches are away from home so at least the ultra negative followers of the team won't be on his back from the kick off. I expect that there are quite a few of the players glad to get away from St Mary's at present.
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Jesus_02 added 20:47 - Oct 25 Holgate loan signing was a mistake
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