Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis is set to be out until the new year with a groin injury.
The 33-year-old club captain requires a scan to determine the extent of the problem which forced him off after an hour of Tuesday evening's 3-1 win at Hartlepool.
"He will probably be out over Christmas," said Saints boss Alan Pardew. "He was feeling it and he wanted to play on, but as soon as he was kicking into the wind he was always going to be in trouble. He's got a pull in his groin and it's not easy to cure."
Bartosz Bialkowski is now set for a run in the first team, with Pardew backing the Pole to make the most of his chance.
"He's quite a cool guy and I don't think he'll be fazed by it all, and we look forward to seeing him in the team," added Pardew.
Meanwhile, Plymouth forward George Donnelly has been allowed to train with the Saints in a bid to earn a loan deal at St Mary's.
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