Long facing up to a month out

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has confirmed he will be without Shane Long for up to four weeks as the striker recovers from an ankle ligament injury.

The 28-year-old hurt his ankle while representing the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, when they lost 2-0 to Poland in their final Euro 2016 qualifier.

Koeman can count his blessings that the international break claimed just one injury victim, although Long will be missed after scoring four goals in eight appearances for the Saints in all competitions this season.

The Irishman is set to miss the visit of Leicester City this weekend and the subsequent league fixtures against Liverpool, Bournemouth and Sunderland, as well as the Capital One Cup clash with Aston Villa later this month.

"The only injury from the international break is Shane Long with an ankle ligaments problem," Koeman said in his pre-match press conference.

"He will be out for two to four weeks. That's a disappointment but that's part of football. Most of them are happy having qualified, and scoring goals."