What McKenna said about injury which forced midfielder Phillips to miss Saints trip

Phillips had started the previous two Premier League games alongside skipper Sam Morsy in Town’s engine room.

In his absence, Swedish international Jens Cajuste made his first league start for the Blues since arriving on loan from Italian giants Napoli.

On-loan Napoli midfelder Jens Cajuste started in place of Kalvin Phillips at Southampton (Image: Ross Halls)Asked about Phillips after the dramatic 1-1 draw, McKenna said: “It’s a very small injury in his thigh muscle.

“He picked it up late in the training week and wasn’t quite right for today.

“I’m pleased with Jens (Cajuste) getting his opportunity. I thought he did well coming in having not had many competitive minutes this season.”

Phillips has an extra day to get fit for next weekend’s game, with Champions’ League outfit Aston Villa visiting Portman Road a week today (2pm ko).