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.
Darren Plant
