Southampton manager Raphl Hassenhutl has revealed how long Danny Ings’ injury is likely to keep him out for after the England striker broke down in training. Hassenhutl revealed the injury blow during his press conference ahead of Friday’s clash with Wolves.
Ings was forced off during Saints’ 4-3 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.
After initially looking like a minor knee problem it has now been confirmed the former Liverpool man could be out for some time.
Worse than first feared
Ings has had terrible luck with injuries in the past.
Back-to-back knee injuries during his time at Liverpool meant he missed nearly two years of football.
So it was positive news when the knee injury he sustained at Villa seemed to be a relatively small one.
However, Hassenhutl revealed this morning that Ings broke down in training and is now set to be out for some time.
“The assessment was not bad and we started running yesterday a little bit, jogging on the pitch,” he said.
“The knee was swollen afterwards and he had pain so we immediately stopped.
“So we had another look and decided to go for surgery. That is the safest way to have only a four to six-week injury.
“It is small surgery, but it is one. I hope it is not getting worse than this.”
Saints’ key man
Ings has undoubtedly been Southampton’s most important player during the past couple of seasons.
Last season he scored or assisted 47% of all goals the Saints managed in the Premier League.
This season he had already scored five and assisted two for Ralph Hassenhutl’s side.
His form saw him earn an England call-up but he now looks set to miss out on Gareth Southgate’s next squad, which will be announced on Thursday.
Who will replace Ings?
The 28-year-old will be undoubtedly difficult to replace. Che Adams has been in good form recently but it’s still a big gap to fill.
However, in the press conference Hassenhutl said he’s confident the rest of his squad can help soften the blow.
“We have a few young lads and we have players like Shane Long coming back in,” he said.
The Austrian revealed he is more concerned about injuries in other parts of the pitch.
“I have bigger issues at left-back because Jake Vokins is also injured. It’s a new situation – and we must find new solutions.”
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