Danny Ings could be ruled out for six weeks following his injury against Aston Villa, Southampton has confirmed.

The England striker was subbed off in the 85-minute at Villa Park on Sunday after a challenge with Trezeguet.

Ings scored his fifth goal of the season, a game Southampton won 4-3 to go fifth on the table with 13 points.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said on Wednesday ahead of his side’s meeting with Newcastle United on Friday night that his influential forward would be missing in action for a while as he recovers from the hurt.

"The worst thing is maybe Danny Ings. We said after the game that we hoped it wasn't bad,” he said.

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"It could have been much worse, but at the moment he's out for maybe 4-6 weeks. He'll have a small surgery tomorrow. He's definitely out for now. It's a small surgery but a necessary one."

Southampton aside Friday’s game will play Wolves, Manchester United, Brighton, Sheffield United and Arsenal in the next six weeks yet Hasenhuttl believes that teamwork is required to keep their convincing performance up and running.

“We are more than Danny Ings. It's a big loss but it's important now for other players to give us alternatives.

“Nobody has to play like Danny Ings, every player should play his best possible game.”