Southampton defender Andrew Davies has been ruled out for the rest of the season following an operation to repair his shattered cheekbone.The former Middlesbrough centre-half will be out of action for six weeks after taking a boot to the face against Blackpool which left him with four fractures.

Saints have ruled out the possibility of Davies playing in a protective mask, and boss Nigel Pearson said: "It's a huge disappointment for him, for us and for the fans.

"Andrew had one fracture by his eye socket which was slightly depressed. He will be out for six weeks and the reality is the season is over for him.

"I'm not a medical man but I believe there would have been the possibility of sight loss if he played and got hurt - and that is a risk I am certainly not prepared to take."

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