Saints look set to lose Artur Boruc until the new year, after the keeper suffered a suspected fracture of his left hand in the 3-1 defeat at Chelsea.

Boruc was taken to hospital last night for x-rays after injuring himself trying to prevent the Blues’ equaliser at Stamford Bridge.

With Kelvin Davis, right, also out with a knock picked up in training, it was down to young Argentinian stopper Paulo Gazzaniga to take over in goal.

He may well be called upon again on Wednesday, for the visit of Aston Villa, with Saints last night fearing they could be without Boruc for as long as six weeks.

The club are also assessing the fitness of Morgan Schneidlerin, who was also forced off during the game with what appeared to be a groin strain.

Saints have a quick turnaround before their next game against Aston Villa at St Mary’s on Wednesday night before hosting Manchester City on Saturday.

“We do not know yet,” said Pochettino when asked about the extent of Boruc’s injury immediately after the game.

“He’s going to hospital to get some x-rays done and after that we will know exactly what he has done to his hand or wrist.”

Saints will also run an eye over Kelvin Davis to see whether he has recovered sufficiently.

If not then it will be over to Gazzaniga again, and possibly a chance on the bench for young American stopper Cody Cropper.

Schneiderlin has been a key man for Saints and they will hope withdrawing him quickly when he felt the problem will mean he doesn’t have to miss a match.

If he is forced out then Steven Davis and Jack Cork will battle for his spot in the team.