RYAN Bertrand and Ibrahima Diallo are among a host of fresh injury concerns for Saints ahead of Friday's clash with Newcastle United.

Boss Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed this morning he would be without Danny Ings for up to six weeks due to a knee problem, which will require surgery.

But Ings was not the only man to suffer a problem in the 4-3 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday, with both Bertrand (hamstring) and fellow defender Jan Bednarek (head) also forced off.

 

Danny Ings set for spell on sidelines after knee surgery

"We have a lot of injury concerns at the moment," said Hasenhuttl.

"I think the last game was definitely a very tough one. I think it was also sometimes beyond the edge of what is okay for me, because we had a few brutal tackles in this game.

"We stood up to the fight, yes, we won this game but we paid a high price I think. We have a lot of injuries at the moment and this is what caused me the most headache.

"We had a tough game and I think it was not always under control, also from the referee’s side. This is what the result is now.

"Five players have big issues. Jan Bednarek, I don't know if he can train today, it was a horrible crash on the ground. Ryan Bertrand is out maybe for the weekend. Diallo has a dead leg from a hard kick."

While the blow to lose top scorer Ings comes as a big concern, Hasenhuttl admits there is another area of his team which he is left scratching his head more about.

"To be honest, on the left-back position I have a bigger issue because Jake Vokins is also injured and Ryan I think cannot play," said the Saints boss.

"I think there I have more to think about, what I do there, because my nominal left-backs are out.

"It’s a new situation and we must finds the right decisions. Like I’ve always said so far, things can change so quickly.

"This is the energy we use now in the next 48 hours to find the best squad to compete against a strong side. This is the work we have to do now."

Quizzed further on Bertrand's injury, Hasenhuttl added: "He has a low-grade injury on his hamstring, so it definitely wouldn’t make so much sense at the moment to take this risk because afterwards we have a two-week break and then we have a lot of fixtures.

"Especially in this position, it’s important that he’s fit so maybe we will not take the risk. When he decides that it is okay, then we will do it.

"But I always think the player must have a look. We have another two days to go and then we can decide."