RALPH Hasenhuttl admitted “it doesn’t look good” for Armel Bella-Kotchap after his dislocated shoulder during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United.

The 20-year-old German international will definitely miss the game this Wednesday at AFC Bournemouth and when Arsenal visit on Sunday.

Bella-Kotchap has played every game for Hasenhuttl since sitting out of the opening day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, but was substituted before half-time due to the injury last weekend.

After the match, Hasenhuttl said his lay-off could be anything from one game to eight weeks – depending on if he needs surgery, which Bella-Kotchap wants to avoid.

"With Armel, it doesn't look good," Hasenhuttl said, while Bella-Kotchap himself wants to go to the World Cup with his country next month.

"He will be definitely out on Wednesday but it is not so sure which direction we will go with him, if he will need surgery or if he does it without.

“I think he wants to try it without and mobilising the shoulder and then coming back maybe, I don't know in two weeks, or three weeks,” the Austrian added.

“Otherwise it would take longer. This is definitely a loss for us and long-term injuries are not the best for a team who are looking for results."

Saints have five more Premier League matches before the World Cup break in November, with Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Liverpool to come after this week.

If Bella-Kotchap does not need surgery, he could potentially feature for either of the last two – but the club will be wary of rushing him back.

Duje Caleta-Car is the current replacement, having arrived on a permanent deal on deadline day, and is in line for only his second Saints start at Vitality Stadium.

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