Southampton reeling from big blow ahead of Newcastle United's visit

Southampton's Danny Ings picks up an injury during the Premier League match at Villa Park.

Danny Ings is out of Newcastle United’s visit to the St Mary’s Stadium on Friday night.

The striker is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in Southampton’s 4-3 win over Aston Villa last weekend.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said on Wednesday: “At the moment, it looks like he is out for four to six weeks. He’ll have a small surgery tomorrow morning. It could be worse, but he’ll be out – and it’s not good news for us.”

Ings was forced off in the 85th minute at Villa Park after scoring his fifth Premier League goal of the season. The 28-year-old was injured in a challenge from Trezeguet, and had a scan the following day, which Southampton said had provided “favourable” results.

However, Ings – who has previously suffered two serious knee injuries which led to long spells on the sidelines – will now be absent until late this year.