Thursday 7 February 2019 16:08, UK
Danny Ings will not be available for selection for the next two to three weeks, Southampton boss Ralph Hassenhuttl has confirmed.
Ings has scored seven goals in 18 Premier League appearances for the Saints, who sit just two places and two points ahead of Saturday's 18th-placed visitors Cardiff.
The on-loan Liverpool striker was substituted midway through the first half of last weekend's 1-1 draw with Burnley, and could miss games against Arsenal and Fulham this month, in addition to Saturday's relegation six-pointer at St Mary's.
"After 20 minutes (against Burnley), Danny made a big step for the ball and then a sprint and then he had problems with his hamstring," Hassenhuttl said.
"He will need two or three weeks come back, so that's not good.
"We miss him for sure. He's a good player for us, a good striker to have here, but at the moment we have to know it will take two or three weeks.
"But the good thing is Pierre (Hojbjerg) is back after his concussion and it is important for us, because of his experience in this [midfield] position, we missed him a bit [against Burnley]."
Despite a six-match unbeaten run, Southampton could find themselves in the relegation zone at the end of the weekend if they lose to Neil Warnock's resurgent Cardiff, who beat Bournemouth last weekend.
Southampton have four matches against top-six sides in the next two months but Hassenhutl is convinced he can lead the team to safety from relegation this season.
"We really trust in the team we have here," he said.
"The team overall is ready for the fight that is facing us in the next weeks and months. If we stay working like we are in the last two months we have a big chance to stay in the league."
