Toby Alderweireld could miss as few as two Premier League games for Saints, following his injury against Manchester United.

The influential defender was forced off during the first-half at Old Trafford, after sustaining damage to his hamstring.

The club had feared a long lay-off for the centre-half, but the initial verdict is that the injury is not as bad as first thought, with the indications being that Alderweireld will be absent for about three-to-four weeks.

With their schedule set to calm down, following a hectic festive period, that provides hope that the Belgium international could even return as early as the February 7 trip to QPR.

If that is the case, he would miss just this Saturday’s trip to Newcastle and the February 1 home game against Swansea in the Premier League.

After that, Saints face home games against West Ham, on February 11, and Liverpool, on February 22.