Bridge's run of Premiership games will end

Southampton defender Wayne Bridge fears he will not be fit for England's friendly against Australia next month.

The left-back limped out of Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at St Mary's with a calf strain and a second scan has revealed a calf muscle tear rather than just a strain.

The injury could rule him out for three weeks.

The international friendly at Upton Park is on 12 February and Bridge is pessimistic about his chances of making the match, which could have seen him line up alongside team-mate James Beattie.

"It looks like I'll struggle to make the England game, which is very disappointing, especially if `Beatts' plays," said Bridge.

"I really hope he gets a call-up and with the way he has been playing, he must have a chance.

"I'd love to play alongside him for England and put in some crosses for him but it doesn't look good.

"I hope I'll be back for the game at Blackburn (on 8 February) but after yesterday's scan I don't think it's likely.

"It showed where the muscle is torn and where it has been bleeding. I'll go back for another in two weeks time before I can do any kind of jogging."

Bridge's early exit from the Liverpool game marked the first minute of Premiership football he has missed since March 2000.

During that time, he has strung together a record-breaking run of 113 consecutive top-flight matches, a Premiership record for an outfield player.

"It's still sore when I walk but I've no idea how long it will take to heal because I've never been injured before," he told the club's website.

"I had a few minor knocks as a youth-team player but nothing for the last five years. It's a bit of a shock and very depressing."

Bridge was one of a quartet of Southampton players to emerge from their first home defeat of the season carrying injuries.

Chris Marsden (dead leg), Rory Delap (jarred knee) and Paul Telfer (ankle) are all struggling for fitness ahead of the cup tie against Lions.