Southampton manager Claude Puel has confirmed Charlie Austin will miss the next four months of the season after having dislocated his shoulder in the UEFA Europa League tie against Israeli sideHapoel Be'er Sheva on Thursday night.
The former QPR hitman has scored six goals in twelve league appearances this season, helping the side to be in contention for a Europa League position next season.
Speaking to the mediaafter defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 on Sunday, Puel stated " Normally he needs surgery and will be perhaps between three months and four months (out).
Southampton striker Charlie Austin is out for 'three to four months' with a shoulder injury: https://t.co/7QrRMHiqVY pic.twitter.com/uw8CjPkc8m
It's a good estimation for the time after the surgery. Is it dislocated? Yes I think. Will it need surgery? Yes, normally yes.�
The striker had a remarkable breakthrough season with Queens Park Rangers in the 2014/15 Premier League season, scoring 18 goals in 35 appearances.
He was then reluctantly sold by the Londoners to Southampton in a £4m January deal in 2016, where he has since scored six of the Saints' 14 Premier League goals this season, becoming a crucial player for the side.
As a result of Austin's injury, Puel will be relying on the likes of Shane Long and record signing Sofiane Boufal to score more goals, as was evident by Boufal's stunning strike in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.