SAINTS have been rocked by the news that Oriol Romeu will miss the remainder of the season due to a fractured ankle.

The Spaniard was forced off during the second half against Leeds United on Tuesday evening due to the problem.

And boss Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed the injury suffered in that 3-0 defeat at Elland Road will require the 29-year-old to undergo surgery next week.

"Oriol Romeu’s season is over," said Hasenhuttl.

"He has surgery on Monday, it means three months out.

"He has a fracture on his ankle and definitely the season is over for him. It will take a minimum of three months until he is back."

The news comes as a huge blow with fellow midfielders Ibrahima Diallo and Will Smallbone also on the injury list, leaving James Ward-Prowse as the club's only senior player available in that position ahead of Monday night's trip to Everton.