Gillett injury hits Southampton

Gillett signed a two-year deal at St Mary's in June last year

Southampton midfielder Simon Gillett will miss the rest of the season after tearing a cartilage in his knee.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury when he twisted his knee in training last week.

Saints coach Mark Wotte told the club's website: "It's a big blow. Simon has been one of our key players over the last six weeks, so it's very bad news."

An operation will be scheduled as soon as possible and Gillett will be out for between four and six weeks.

Wotte added: "We have Paul Wotton and Morgan Sneiderlin that can fill in, so it's not all bad. I am positive that either of those players can come back in and do as well as Simon has done."

Gillett made his first start for the club in the opening day defeat at Cardiff and has made a further 25 appearances as a defensive midfielder.

Saints will also be without midfielder Anthony Pulis for the remainder of the season. The former Stoke City player has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of his foot.

However, Wotte is philosophical about the latest injury news.

"It's very unfortunate, but on the plus side we are optimistic that both Jason Euell and Lee Holmes will now be fit and available for the match against Charlton," he added.

Southampton sit second bottom in the Championship and three points adrift of safety with seven matches remaining.