Charlie Austin will be out for up to four months after it was confirmed he requires surgery on his injured shoulder.

Saints’ star striker was forced off during the 1-1 draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva after landing awkwardly on his right shoulder, which he has already had surgery on twice before in his career.

Claude Puel insisted that he does not have a definitive timeframe for Austin’s return, but reckoned it to be three or four months, which would mean the striker is not back until the closing stages of the season.

He said: “I am not sure for the moment how many times he stay out but normally he need surgery and perhaps between three months and four months.”

Losing Austin is a significant blow to Saints given their struggles in front of goal, and that he is the club’s leading scorer this season with nine in all competitions.

“Of course it is difficult to play without Charlie because he score a lot of goals for us but it’s important now to look forward with all the players,” insisted Puel.

“I think for example Jay (Rodriguez) can do a very good game, a strong game with intensity and quality.

“He can score at the end because he deserved this with all the good work he do on this game.

“We will see with Shane and he can play better in the second half also.

“It’s important to take the chances without Charlie. There is a strong disappointment for Charlie of course and now other players can take his place.”