Puel challenges Saints squad

Austin suffered the injury during the 1-1 Europa League draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva on Thursday and as a result was absent for the 1-0 Premier League victory at home to Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Of course it is difficult to play without Charlie because he scores a lot of goals for us.

Claude Puel

Following that win Puel confirmed that his player is facing a major length of absence and is poised to undergo surgery on his damaged shoulder.

The Frenchman told reporters: „Normally he needs surgery and will be perhaps (out for) between three months and four months.

„That is a good estimation for the time after the surgery. Is it dislocated? Yes. Will it need surgery? Yes, normally yes.“

Puel was also quick to challenge the rest of his squad to make up for the loss of Austin, who has scored six of the Saints’ 14 league goals so far this season.

He added: „It is important all the players take (responsibility) without Charlie. All the players can take his place.

„Of course it is difficult to play without Charlie because he scores a lot of goals for us. It is important now to look forward with other players.“

Southampton are back in action on Wednesday evening when they head to the Potteries to take on Stoke City, with the Saints unbeaten in their last four league visits to the home of the Potters.

Last season Graziano Pelle scored both goals in a 2-1 win and Southampton are 10/1 to claim a 2-1 victory again on Wednesday, with the draw priced at 23/10 and a 1-0 triumph for Stoke available at 8/1.