With an injury, defender returns from international duty early.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis has had to return to Staplewood for treatment picked up while practicing for the England U21 squad, just when he was starting to look the part in the Southampton defence.

Southampton confirm Harwood-Bellis injury to be assessed | Daily Echo

Taylor Harwood-Bellis was expected to feature for the England U21 squad over the next week, but instead he is back in Southampton and will be treated at Staplewood for a hamstring injury.

It is unclear how serious the injury is at the present, and Saints will be hoping that it can be resolved within the next eight days so that the Manchester City loanee can play against Hull City.

So, instead of facing the U21 sides of Serbia and Ukraine, he will be treated.

Harwood-Bellis had been growing in confidence and stature with each game, and his loss will be felt heavily, but the Saints do have options.

Mason Holgate, who has yet to excite Saints fans but has experience playing successfully in central defensive positions in the Premier League for Everton, is the most likely choice to replace him if he fails muster.

Other possibilities include James Bree, who played for Luton Town.