On-loan Southampton defender Chris Lucketti has opted to miss Sunday's vital clash with his parent club Sheffield United.The 36-year-old is eligible to face the Blades as there are no rules preventing on-loan players from facing their permanent employers in the Championship.

But with Saints battling against relegation and United still in the hunt for a play-off place Lucketti, who still has a year on remaining on his Blades contract, has made himself unavailable for the season's finale.

"He's in a difficult position. There would have been a lot of pressure on him and it is his decision," said Southampton manager Nigel Pearson.

"It's disappointing not to have him available but it is not something we can afford to dwell on.

"It's a difficult situation for the club at this moment and we are not in a position to make him a permanent offer, which is a shame because that would have been the best solution and one we all wanted."

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