Danny Ings faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after opting for surgery following an injury sustained against Aston Villa.
The former Burnley and Liverpool forward’s prognosis is not as “favourable” as was initially thought on Monday.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “The worst thing is maybe Danny Ings. It looks as though he is out for 4-6 weeks.
“He will have surgery tomorrow morning, a small one. He is out. This is not good news for us.”
The England striker was forced off in the 85th minute at Villa Park after being injured in a challenge from Villa substitute Trezeguet and had a scan the following day, which Southampton said had provided “favourable” results.
But the 28-year-old, who has previously suffered two serious knee injuries which led to long spells on the sidelines, will now be absent as the Saints seek to build on a strong start to the season.
Hasenhuttl added: “We are more than Danny Ings. It's a big loss but it's important now for other players to give us alternatives.
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“Nobody has to play like Danny Ings, every player should play his best possible game.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
