MOI Elyounoussi will undergo surgery for his hand ligament injury, sustained on international duty with Norway, today (Monday).

The operation rules the 27-year-old out of the trip to London tomorrow, for the EFL Cup round of 16 clash against Chelsea.

Elyounoussi had earlier revealed through Norwegian TV that he sustained the concern when he hit a brace for his country in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Montenegro.

The country haven’t reached the World Cup finals since 1998 but are now in a strong position to do so, just two points behind group leaders Netherlands with two games to go – meaning that the next international break wasn’t an ideal time for him to undergo the fix either.

Daily Echo: Moi Elyounoussi also took a knock to his back against Burnley but was able to play on (Pic: Stuart Martin)Moi Elyounoussi also took a knock to his back against Burnley but was able to play on (Pic: Stuart Martin)

However, the good news for Saints is that there will be enough time for him to recover and be available for the next Premier League contest, when they travel back to the capital to face Watford on Saturday, 30 October.

Speaking after the 2-2 draw with Burnley, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed the procedure: “He will have his operation on Monday.

“He needs to have it (to recover). He will miss the Chelsea game, but this is normal. He needs to have two or three days’ rest before he can train again.”

And asked if he would be back for Watford, he simply responded: “Yes.”

Having returned from two years on loan at Celtic, Elyounoussi has made seven appearances in the Premier League for Hasenhuttl this season – scoring once, against Newcastle.