Martin issues positive update on injured Bednarek and Ramsdale ahead of Spurs

SAINTS manager Russell Martin hopes to have star men Jan Bednarek and Aaron Ramsdale back for next Sunday's meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

Bednarek (knee) and Ramsdale (finger) have been absent for four Premier League matches, in which Saints have shipped 10 goals and won one point.

Jhon Duran marked his first Premier League start of the season with the winner to earn Aston Villa a 1-0 victory over Saints on Saturday.

Martin’s struggling side have taken just one point away from St Mary’s and their miserable run continued as they failed to register a shot on target all game.

They take on Spurs, who sit 11th in the Premier League after defeat at AFC Bournemouth and are hoping to be boosted by the return of the key duo.

Speaking after the match at Villa Park, Martin said: "I think both of them will be back. I expect Jan definitely and Rambo I hope will be back.

"It'll make a big difference. They've been big losses for us this month, So yeah, fingers crossed they'll both be back against Spurs."

Alex McCarthy was in net for the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool but is suffering from a knee concern and Joe Lumley has started each of the last three fixtures

Saints have also been without Adam Lallana and Paul Onuachu but Martin did not deliver an update on the status of the injured pair.

Will Smallbone is nearing a return but is targeting the festive fixtures and will miss the visit of Ange Postecoglu's Spurs - which has been given a 7pm kick-off.