Saints midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has played down fears over the severity of an injury that has forced him to withdraw from the France squad.

The French Football Federation announced that the St Mary’s linchpin underwent a scan on an issue with his right adductor this morning.

As a result the 25-year-old was declared unfit to play in his country's next match, against Sweden next Tuesday, and will return to Saints for treatment.

Schneiderlin played the last ten minutes of France’s 1-1 friendly draw with Albania last night.

The midfielder has been in great form this season, scoring three goals and helping Ronald Koeman's team to second in the Premier League

It was feared that he could now face a race against time for Schneiderlin to be fit in time for Saints' trip to Aston Villa on Monday, November 24, followed by the home game against Manchester City on November 30.

However, the midfielder has taken to Twitter to post a message which reads: "Sad to be out of the Team because of my injury (which is not too serious but need to take it easy)Thank u 4 your support!"