TOP-SCORER Shane Long is a doubt for Saints’ trip to neighbours Bournemouth.

The ten-goal striker limped off with a hamstring injury in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend and is touch and go to be available for Tuesday's trip to Dean Court.

Long was assessed by the club’s medical staff, revealing that injury was not serious, but that the Cherries match may come too soon for the Irishman.

“He was injured but it's not final he's out,” said Saints boss Ronald Koeman.

“After the result of the scan it’s a hamstring injury and that’s good news. It will be difficult because Saturday to Tuesday is very short.

“He is doubtful for tomorrow.”

Of course, Saints are not short of attacking options for the trip along the south coast.

Sadio Mane, Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle were all on the bench against the Blues on Saturday and are all pushing for a start, with Charlie Austin also in contention to make successive starts for the club.

Koeman admitted that it was far from ideal to potentially be without Long, but is confident he has enough cover in the attacking department.

“Long's doing well, he’s in good form. He’s full of confidence, creating a lot of dangerous moments in our attacking,” he said.

“You like to always to have everybody available, but injuries are part of football.

“We have a strong squad, we have good competition. If can’t start tomorrow, we will start another striker in his position.”

The Cherries game carries increasing meaning for Saints after Manchester City won the Capital One Cup on Sunday.

With City likely to secure a Champions League spot, sixth place will now be a Europa League place.

It will be a dangling carrot for Saints as they look to secure a European place.

“Normally yes because normally Man City will finish among the first three or four clubs in the league,” said Koeman.

“Maybe it's interesting for the rest of the teams to get an opportunity to play in Europe.

“Yes, but okay that's for the end of the season. It's all about the FA Cup winner and then we will see. 

“If we like to fight for that position on the table it will be very important to win our next two games, that we have this week.”