Darren Powell and Wayne Thomas could return to Southampton's threadbare defence when George Burley takes his side to Coventry on Saturday.Powell has resumed full training after three months out with a calf injury, and fellow centre-half Thomas is fit following an Achilles problem and should also shake off a bout of flu.

Their return would give Burley an interesting selection dilemma, with his makeshift back four having kept successive clean sheets.

Defenders Claus Lundekvam (ankle), Chris Makin (hip), Alexander Ostlund (hamstring) are still missing while Phil Ifil (ankle) is doubtful.

Winger Nathan Dyer is out with an ankle injury which may require surgery, and midfielder Inigo Idiakez is three weeks away with a recurrence of his Achilles problem.

Jhon Viafara has also had flu but is expected to be fit.

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