Southampton striker Charlie Austin out for four months

Charlie Austin could be out of action for four months after suffering a shoulder injury during Southampton's Europa League elimination to Israeli minnows Hapoel Be’er Sheva. 

The 27-year-old is likely to need surgery after injuring his shoulder during the midweek draw and manager Claude Puel called on his teammates to step up their game in front of goal in his absence. 

Austin being sidelined is a significant blow to Saints, who have struggled for goals with the Englishman scoring 6 out of their 14 in all competitions so far this season. 

Charlie Austin could be out of action for four months after suffering a shoulder injury during Southampton's Europa League elimination to Israeli minnows Hapoel Be’er Sheva. 

The 27-year-old is likely to need surgery after injuring his shoulder during the midweek draw and manager Claude Puel called on his teammates to step up their game in front of goal in his absence. 

Austin being sidelined is a significant blow to Saints, who have struggled for goals with the Englishman scoring 6 out of their 14 in all competitions so far this season.