Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse is expected to be out for around ten weeks after sustaining a stress fracture in his foot.

The 19-year-old suffered the injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Swansea, although it was not initially thought to be a major problem.

However, scans have revealed it is far worse than the club expected, with the news the only dampener on a famous night for Saints, who beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Capital One Cup.

After the match, Saints manager Ronald Koeman said: “We’re very disappointed about that, but that’s football and that can happen.

“It’s unlucky, but ok. The boy has to keep going and it’s difficult, because he had a great start to the season, but it’s part of the football and he will come back.”