Southampton forward Charlie Austin faces two months out with hamstring injury

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has suggested that he does not expect Charlie Austin to return to action until March.

Last weekend, Austin sustained a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town, a game from which he also received a three-match ban for a kick to the face of goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

Austin had initially been expected back in a number of weeks, but Pellegrino was less hopeful about the fitness of his top goalscorer.

The 46-year-old is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "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."

Since a return to the starting lineup in November, Austin had scored six goals in seven appearances in the Premier League.