Martin reveals why Fraser was subbed in first half against Stoke City

SAINTS boss Russell Martin revealed Ryan Fraser was withdrawn in the first half against Stoke City due to suffering from illness.

Former Scotland international Fraser was substituted after 38 minutes in a late 3-2 victory having attempted to play on through sickness.

Martin revealed a number of Saints players have suffered from a virus this season - Maxwel Cornet and Fraser have both missed other games with illness.

"We had a few guys that were going to play tonight that couldn't because they're not very well," Martin explained, speaking to the Daily Echo.

"We've had a bit of a virus and stuff in the camp. I think everyone's had it at various points over the last couple of weeks.

"Flynn and the gang were just not feeling very well. Wee Man was not feeling great before the game but wanted to give it a go. He just felt a bit tight and a bit tired.

"He didn't have the usual spark he normally has, so he came off, but he gave it a go and wanted to give it a go.

"I think that'll be important for him, even having half an hour and hopefully he feels better very quickly.

"Hopefully by Thursday we'll have everyone back training and feeling okay. Jack was on the bench tonight, but maybe would have played if he felt better after Saturday.

"Adam (Lallana) is fine, we're just managing his minutes. We had a couple of guys at the training that were not involved.

"Ryan Manning just ticked over really because he's not been feeling great since the weekend.

"I expect some of them to train tomorrow and most of them, if not all of them, to be ready by Thursday or Friday."

Saints never planned to give midfielder Fernandes a full 90 minutes but withdrew him sooner on a precautionary basis.

Ryan Fraser rejoined Saints this summer (Image: Southampton FC) The 20 year old went down after stretching for the ball but continued until the 68th minute when he was replaced by Ben Brereton Diaz.

"He's just feeling a few niggles," Martin added. "I think he's a young man who's played a lot of games already this season at a big intensity.

"Him and Flynn have covered the most distance on the pitch in terms of high-speed running, sprint distance and all that.

"I think we knew he probably wasn't going to go 90 minutes if we want him in the best shape for Saturday. So I think it was the right call to get him off the pitch."