Stuart Armstrong will miss Southampton’s Premier League opener at Crystal Palace with a quad injury picked up on international duty.
The midfielder played in both of Scotland’s Nations League matches, firstly as a substitute last Friday against Israel, before starting in the Czech Republic on Monday.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhüttl says his team must now adapt in Armstrong’s absence at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
“Stu Armstrong came back injured from the national team, which I really hate, because it’s pre-season and I do everything to keep the players healthy,” he said.
“He comes back injured after playing 80 minutes, which was definitely not perfect. That smashes a few automatisms in our game, but we have to handle this.
“The opponent didn’t have too many players heading to the international break, so they have had more opportunities to test some things.
“We have to take it as it is, find the best solutions and then make a good game there and try to win.”
Hasenhüttl confirmed no other injuries in his squad, but says summer signing Mohammed Salisu, who has only recently joined in pre-season training, is continuing to improve his fitness.
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