Southampton striker Charlie Austin faces two months on sidelines with hamstring injury after limping off against Huddersfield

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Southampton striker Charlie Austin faces two months or more on the sidelines after suffering a suspected hamstring tear.

The striker pulled up in last weekend's 1-1 Premier League draw with Huddersfield Town and is now set for a prolonged absence.

Austin headed in the opener against Huddersfield but limped off with 11 minutes to go. 

Charlie Austin limped off against Huddersfield and is set for two months or more out of action

The striker had been in fantastic form for his side having scored five in his last seven games

The powerful forward has scored six goals this season, including five in the last seven league games, to emerge as Southampton's top scorer.

Austin had already received a three-match ban for a kick on Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl's face.

'Charlie, I think he will be out more than normal ... this evening he will have another test to analyse a little bit better his injury, the grade of his injury,' Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino said.

Mauricio Pellegrino bemoaned the timing of Austin's injury given his recent form 

'We will see but I expect Charlie will be out for a couple of months, minimum. It is a big pity because Charlie was in a really good moment.'

Shane Long, who has not scored this season, and Manolo Gabbiadini will compete for Austin's spot at the tip of Southampton's attack.

Southampton are 14th in the league with 19 points, and travel to second-placed Manchester United on Saturday. 

Austin already received a three-match ban for kicking Jonas Lossl in the face