Jack Cork ruled out for two months

After back-to-back losses against Manchester City and Arsenal, Southampton has been hit with further bad news as Jack Cork has been ruled out for approximately two months with an ankle injury.

The midfielder had to come off in Saints' 1-0 loss against Arsenal last Wednesday, this after he missed the game against Manchester City with an illness.

His injury forced Ronald Koeman to slot Toby Alderweireld into the midfield role. Something that the Belgian did in last Sunday's game against Manchester City, following injury to Morgan Schneiderlin.

However, to rub salt to the wound, Alderweireld also had to come off with an injury, forcing Southampton to finish the game with 10 men.

Koeman will now have to deal with a short-handed midfield, with James Ward-Prowse still sidelined, while Schneiderlin will also miss out on Monday night's game against Manchester United.

With six games in 20 days starting from December 13, these injuries have come in the most unfortunate time and will be a stern test for Koeman as he faced England's unforgiving festive fixtures.

Thankfully, the January transfer window is just 26 days away.