Sofiane Boufal an injury doubt for Southampton's EFL Cup final against Manchester United

Southampton winger Sofiane Boufal faces a race against time to be fit for the EFL Cup final against Manchester United on February 26.

Boufal - Southampton's club record signing - limped off in the second half of Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to West Ham and was replaced by Shane Long.

Virgil van Dijk's ankle injury and Jose Fonte's recent departure have left Southampton short defensively, but the Saints have also been forced to manage in recent weeks without talisman Charlie Austin [shoulder], and long-term injury victim Jeremy Pied.

Manolo Gabbiadini made an instant impression in Austin's absence following his Deadline Day move from Napoli, notching Southampton's opener against West Ham.

And boss Claude Puel admits it will be a blow should Southampton be without Boufal for a prolonged period of time after Gabbiadini and the Moroccan showed signs of building a partnership that can help Saints flourish going forward.

"It's an ankle injury [that Boufal sustained] and we will see how long he stays out," the Southampton manager said.

"I don't know for the moment, [how long he will be unavailable for].

"I hope it's not important, we will see but I hope it's not a bad injury because he's a talented player who can give a good solution and he had a good relationship with Gabbiadini.

"He's an important player for us and we hope he will be available."