Southampton will be without Shane Long for up to six weeks after he fractured a couple of ribs, according to reports.
Such a lay-off could leave the Republic of Ireland international struggling for fitness ahead of the Euro 2016 Group D qualifier against Poland in Dublin on 29 March, as it could be mid-March before Long returns to action.
The 28-year-old forward was forced off just 14 minutes after his introduction in the second half of Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round exit to Crystal Palace.
The collision with Palace defender Joel Ward during the 3-2 loss saw Long taken to hospital and it is believed he now faces between four and six weeks out of action.
The Co Tipperary-native fractured his ribs but did not sustain a punctured lung, contrary to reports, and tweeted from his hospital bed on Sunday that he was "on the mend".
Long's absence is another big blow for Champions League-chasing Saints.
Toby Alderweireld, Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin are all unavailable at the moment through injury, joining long-term absentees Sam Gallagher and Jay Rodriguez in the treatment room.
International commitments mean Sadio Mane, Emmanuel Mayuka and Maya Yoshida have reduced Ronald Koeman's options further.
Thanks for all the tweets guys. Feeling alot better today and am on the mend. Here's to a speedy recovery 👍 😇 pic.twitter.com/4ZrJTKOlH3
— Shane Long (@ShaneLong7) January 25, 2015
