WILL Smallbone has missed out on Saints’ last two after he suffered a new calf injury, Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed – but it’s severity is unknown.

The Basingstoke-born youngster has just come back from an ACL injury suffered in January in the last few months, making a total of two EFL Cup and Premier League appearances.

That ACL injury was on his return from another injury, whilst he has also endured a difficult summer suffering from illness.

And now the 21-year-old midfielder has had more rotten luck, with a fresh concern that will keep him on the sidelines once again.

“He had a calf injury, he’s out with a calf injury,” Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo with concern in his voice, following the 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

“And it’s a pity for him because he made his way back and now is he here now.

“Hopefully not too hard of an injury but we are not too sure how long it will take.”

Academy graduate Smallbone also played three times for the B team while he continued his recovery, and likely would have been given another chance in Hasenhuttl’s rotated squads this festive period.

He would also have been a shoo-in for the FA Cup third round contest with Swansea, coming up at the start of January, but it now looks like he won’t be available.

Smallbone has made 15 first-team appearances for Saints, scoring once.