Southampton: Martin gives update on Sugawara and Downes fitness

In order to play Stoke City on Tuesday night, SAINTS manager Russell Martin is hopeful that Yukinari Sugawara and Flynn Downes will be well.

Yukinari Sugawara did not play in their 1-0 loss to Manchester City on Saturday, and midfielder Downes staggered off the pitch.

After being deemed unable to start against the defending Premier League winners, Martin refrained from putting the Japan international at danger.

He gave the former Luton Town defender his first league outing of the season by turning to James Bree instead.

At halftime, the Saints also pulled Tyler Dibling, with Martin pointing to the teenager’s fitness as the main justification.

“(Bringing) Tyler (off) was tactical,” he told the Daily Echo. He appeared exhausted. This was something we discussed on Thursday.

He is eighteen years old. The level of intensity has gone through the roof for him compared to what he’s used to.

“He’s playing against the best team in Europe and it just wasn’t quite his day. Defensively, we needed a bit more help with Adam, who knows and understands the game a bit more.

“We also felt Adam’s runs in behind (would help) because he’s one of the best at it. We felt it could really hurt them and it did on a few occasions.

Last week, Yukinari Sugawara was hurt playing for Leicester City.Perhaps we could have taken him on, Yuki, but we decided on Breezy because we had to keep an eye on him during training.Just in case, I wanted him on the squad. He should be well enough to begin on Tuesday.

“Flynn appears to be a little bruised and beaten. He was excellent, in my opinion, today. Really, really, the Flynn we know and love was back.

“I adore how many of them played today with great boldness and a bounce in their step.

“I thought Taylor Harwood-Bellis was amazing. Kyle was incredibly intelligent. Therefore, they must move there immediately. However, it is hoped that all three will be well by Tuesday.

For Tuesday night’s match, Saints will also be missing Scottish attacker Ross Stewart and former Stoke City loanee Will Smallbone.

Kamaldeen Sulemana is only fit for 20 minutes of play, and goalie Gavin Bazunu is still out due to a chronic injury.

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