Southampton boss Nigel Adkins coy on length of Adam Lallana absence

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has refused to announce how long captain Adam Lallana is expected to be sidelined for.

The 24-year-old has been out of action since December 8, when he limped off the pitch during the Saints' 1-0 win over Reading.

"We're just going to say he is out for the Sunderland game and you can ask me the next question ahead of the next game," BBC Sport quotes Adkins as saying.

Meanwhile, the Saints are preparing to host Sunderland at St Mary's this weekend.