Boss Jim Magilton says defender Tommy Smith will be given all the support he requires as he recovers from his broken ankle. Smith picked up the injury in training on Monday and will undergo surgery later in the week once the swelling has reduced.
Magilton told the club site: "It's a big blow for the lad and a big blow for us. I'm sure he will bounce back though as good as new. He will get all the support he needs from our medical team and everyone else at the club.
"We will rally around him and help him every step of the way in his recovery and we all wish a speedy return to full fitness."
Smith, 18, made his first team debut for the Blues in the opening day defeat to Preston North End, but has not featured since.
Meanwhile, Jim Magilton has confirmed that Danny Haynes is likely to play some role in the Carling Cup tie against Wigan on Wednesday: "Danny will be in contention. He is never far from anyone's thoughts. He has lovely pace and that frightens defences.
"Danny needs refinement, he needs constant tuition, but he is a great lad with a terrific attitude. However, like anyone he has his off days.â€Â
Magilton looks likely to field a make a number of changes to the side facing the Latics after naming a relatively consistent side for the last three matches.
Club captain Richard Naylor and midfielder Owen Garvan could be amongst those rested, while Jon Stead is cup-tied and Pablo Couñago was ruled out yesterday due to the ankle injury he sustained in training last week.
Elsewhere, Southampton have admitted that they failed to provide enough seating for Town fans at last week's 2-2 draw between the two sides. The Saints were expecting 150 Blues to attend, but in the end another 350 arrived on the day without tickets.
During the first half there were clearly more fans than there were seats in the small area of the stand open to Blues supporters and at the break a further section was uncovered to accommodate the additional fans.
A Southampton spokesman admitted the error: "More fans than we had allocated space for turned up.â€Â