Out of the side were two experienced centre backs through injury, Svensson and Thomas, and, strangely, Perry to add more pace to the backline against QPR's quick counters.
The club did of course try to buy a centre back at the end of the transfer window, Anthony Gerrard from Walsall, but the bid did not meet their valuation of the player.
The question is did they do so due to the loss of Wayne Thomas or because it had become apparent that Michael Svensson was still struggling with his knee?
The club maintain that he was still training ahead of a visit to Sweden for a check-up, but his below par performance against Blackpool was an indication that he has been struggling to get back to match fitness.
We all hope that Killer can get back to somewhere near 100%, but even without him the club need another centre back to cover both the current and the inevitable future injuries in an attritional position that has been an Achilles heel for Saints ironically ever since Svensson's original injury.
Although the permanent transfer window is shut, the loan window has re-opened and Saints will be looking for cover at the right price with a run of games likely to stretch the squad to its limit.