RALPH Hasenhuttl is waiting to discover the full extent of Jack Stephens's injury after the defender was forced off at Manchester City.

Stephens had featured in every minute of Saints' fixtures this season, before being replaced during the first half at Etihad Stadium.

The 27-year-old gingerly limped around the perimeter of the pitch with the medical staff, having gone down holding his leg.

He was replaced by Mohammed Salisu, who helped Saints clinch an impressive 0-0 draw at the home of the champions.

Asked for the latest on Stephens's injury, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "I don’t know what it is, but he had knee problems, so hopefully it is not too bad.

"But it wouldn’t be good, because he was in perfect shape.

"He was a really important player for us and so early in the season an injury wouldn’t be good for us."

Saints also have Jan Bednarek and Lyanco available as centre-back options ahead of Tuesday night's Carabao Cup trip to Sheffield United.