Friday 29 December 2017 12:20, UK
Southampton could be without top striker Charlie Austin for two months after he suffered a suspected hamstring tear during the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield.
Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino revealed the club are awaiting the results of scans after the striker suffered the injury during last weekend's game at St Mary's.
Austin, who is currently serving a three-match ban for a kick on Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, scored the Saints' goal against the Terriers, but was forced to limp off late in the game.
Pellegrino said: "Charlie, I think he will be out more than normal ... this evening [Thursday] he will have another test to analyse a little bit better his injury, the grade of his injury.
"We will see but I expect Charlie will be out for a couple of months, minimum. It is a big pity because Charlie was in a really good moment."
Austin is Southampton's top scorer with six goals this season, including five in his last seven league games.
Pellegrino says Austin's injury will be a good opportunity for Shane Long, who has not scored this season, and Manolo Gabbiadini to step up and compete for a place in Southampton's foward line.
He added: "OK it is something that happens but the good news for Shane and Manolo is that they will have more minutes to compete and it's a possibility for them."
