Southampton’s advantage ahead of facing injury hit Birmingham City

The Midlands outfit will be without their banned captain at St Andrew’s, while they are also expected to miss their attacking talisman through injury.

Skipper Cristoph Klarer, a Saints academy graduate, was sent off in their 1-1 draw with Derby County, while Demarai Gray had earlier limped off.

Birmingham manager Chris Davies confirmed the blow to Gray, who scored his fifth goal of the season in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s this month.

“Demarai was feeling something early in the game, I was aware of it, and we were trying to see if he could run it off,” said Davies.

“I wouldn’t be able to give you days or weeks on that one, but if you have to come off in a game you can anticipate a few weeks. It’s a knock on his calf.”

Gray is likely to miss the clash, but club captain Klarer is definitely out after being given a straight red card for a high-footed tackle in added time.

Davies reacted: “I think it was an uncharacteristic mistake from him. What can I say? Someone who is a colossal leader for us will be a miss, no doubt.

“That’s him obviously suspended. Christoph has been fantastic, he doesn’t make many mistakes, but that was obviously one of them.”

Saints take on Birmingham City, one point behind in 15th place, in front of the Sky Sports cameras at 8:15pm on Monday, December 29.