Austin set to spend 'several weeks' in the treatment room

January signing Charlie Austin is facing 'several weeks' out of action, after he was substituted in Southampton's defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Austin made way after 60 minutes, with Graziano Pellè taking his place as Saints trailed 1-0 at The Vitality Stadium.

The 26-year-old pulled up with a hamstring problem, before signalling to the away dugout that he was unable to continue.

Pellè played the entirety of the rest of the match, as Saints conceded once more as they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat.

Speaking after the game, Ronald Koeman announced that the £4m signing is now facing a sustained spell on the sidelines.

"What I heard from the doctor is that it's a hamstring injury for Charlie Austin," Koeman said.

"For sure, Charlie will be out for, I think, several weeks."

In better news, Shane Long - who was also taken off after picking up a knock - looks set to be in contention for Saturday's visit of Sunderland to St. Mary's.

"Shane got a kick on his leg, on his knee. That's different."

Saints remain 7th in the Premier League table after tonight's loss to Bournemouth, but could fall as low as 9th should both Liverpool and Stoke City win tomorrow night.