Shane Long could miss up to six weeks with fractured ribs

Republic of Ireland forward Shane Long faces up to six weeks on the sidelines at Southampton after he fractured a couple of ribs.

The 28-year-old forward was forced off just 14 minutes after his introduction in the second half of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round exit to Crystal Palace.

The collision with Palace defender Joel Ward during the 3-2 loss saw Long taken to hospital and he now faces between four and six weeks out of action.

The Tipperary man fractured his ribs but did not sustain a punctured lung, contrary to reports, with his absence another big blow for Champions League-chasing Saints.

Toby Alderweireld, Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin are all unavailable at the moment through injury, joining long-term absentees Sam Gallagher and Jay Rodriguez in the treatment room.

International commitments mean Sadio Mane, Emmanuel Mayuka and Maya Yoshida have reduced Ronald Koeman's options further.