Southampton have been hit by the news that defender Toby Alderweireld will miss up to four weeks with a hamstring strain.
The 25-year-old has been one of Saints' star performers since arriving on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid, seamlessly replacing Dejan Lovren after he joined Liverpool.
Alderweireld has helped Southampton keep the tightest defence in the Barclays Premier League, with Sunday's 1-0 win at Manchester United a 10th clean sheet of the campaign.
The Belgium international was replaced by Florin Gardos just 21 minutes into that Old Trafford encounter with a hamstring complaint. Alderweireld's injury is not as serious as first feared but leaves Southampton light in central defence, given Maya Yoshida is currently away with Japan at the Asian Cup.
Saints captain Jose Fonte and Gardos are the only senior centre-backs at Ronald Koeman's disposal, meaning the Dutchman may look to make a move this month.
"I don't know (if we need to sign another centre half), we have to speak about that," said Koeman, who can also call upon the inexperienced Jason McCarthy.
"We know that Maya will be away for some weeks, we know that. We knew already if we get some injuries then maybe it can be a problem but I think in our squad we can do some changes in positions to keep going."
The Saints face an FA Cup replay tonight against Ipswich whose own preparations have been disrupted by a virus sweeping through the camp.
Midfield trio Cole Skuse, Teddy Bishop and Jay Tabb were all sent home from training and are set to miss the Portman Road showdown.
"There's a virus going around the place that is laying one or two of them low," said manager Mick McCarthy.
"I'm actually quite pleased because it knocked me low for about a week and I thought I was getting soft. It's made me realise that I'm not as soft as I thought I was when younger, fitter people have been affected."
Elsewhere tonight Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino is likely to make changes for their third-round tie with Burnley. The replay is the fourth match of a hectic January for Spurs, with in-form striker Harry Kane one of those in line to be rested at White Hart Lane.
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