DEFENDER Jan Bednarek was left out of Southampton's 2-1 win over Coventry City on a precautionary basis, Russell Martin has confirmed. 

Bednarek received treatment on Sunday having played through a knock at Blackburn Rovers, where Saints drew 0-0.

Martin elected to start Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens on Tuesday evening to avoid risking the Polish international's fitness.

Stephens and Harwood-Bellis both played key roles in Southampton's goals, both scored by Che Adams.

READ MORE: Martin on result: 'That will release a lot of tension, it's a big response'

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin explained: "Janny took a big whack against Ipswich and he managed to get through the game on Saturday at Blackburn.

"He was still really stiff and sore. We looked at it and thought about if he really needed to play through the pain tonight.

"We didn’t think he needed to because we have two really competent centre-backs at this level.

"Janny wants to play through it because he has that kind of mentality. He also understood because he has taken a lot of painkillers.

"He was in on Sunday getting treatment. It was more of a precaution than anything. Now we have selection problems.

"I thought Jack and Taylor were brilliant. Janny has been outstanding all season. We will have to wait and see on Saturday."