Soccer

Shane Long could miss up to six weeks with fractured ribs

Ireland forward suffered injury in Southampton’s FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace

Shane Long could miss up to six weeks for Southampton after he fractured ribs in the FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Shane Long could miss up to six weeks for Southampton after he fractured ribs in the FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Tue Jan 27 2015 - 19:40

Republic of Ireland forward Shane Long faces up to six weeks on the sidelines at Southampton after he fractured a couple of ribs.

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 he now faces between four and six weeks out of action.

The Tipperary man fractured his ribs but did not sustain a punctured lung, contrary to reports, with his absence another big blow for Champions League-chasing Saints.

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