Striker suffers injury blow ahead of Newcastle clash v Southampton – Sky Sports
By Danny Wright
Southampton striker Shane Long has suffered a hip injury while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, according to a report.
Sky Sports claims that Long, 30, has been ruled out of Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier clash with Wales on Monday night, meaning that he is a potential doubt for Southampton’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Sunday when the two sides meet at St. Mary’s.
It is understood that Long’s setback is a “serious blow” for the Irish, who must win against Chris Coleman’s Wales in order to give themselves a shot of qualifying for the World Cup in Russia next summer.
Ex-Newcastle striker Daryl Murphy is reported to be Martin O’Neill’s most likely replacement for the Southampton forward while Scott Hogan and Sean Maguire are other options that are available.
Long has been a regular part of the Saints squad this season, making seven appearances across all competitions, although he is yet to score a goal.
His absence on Sunday will no doubt be felt by the south coast side, should this injury blow see him ruled out of action.
Newcastle are two points clear of Southampton in the Premier League standings after seven games have been played.
A loss on Sunday would see the Saints leapfrog them in the table and potentially move as high as ninth.
In other Newcastle United news, the Magpies are readying a seven-figure swoop for this Europa League defender in January after several scouting missions.
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