Southampton have lost record signing Gaston Ramirez for a month due to a bizarre leg injury.

The Daily Star says Saints expected Ramirez to make a quick recovery, after suffering a dead leg in training before their 2-2 draw at home to Fulham earlier this month.

But the £12m Uruguay forward was forced to spend two days in hospital when the injury caused his thigh to swell up.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins confirmed yesterday: "I think six weeks from the date of the original injury is probably about right but we'll just have to see how he progresses.

"It was quite serious, as the muscle swelled up and there was nowhere for the blood to go. He is showing good signs of recovery but won't be fit for the weekend.

"It is a big blow because we have seen Gaston's ability to score and create goals.

"Fulham was a game we were targeting for maximum points, so it was really disappointing Gaston was not available."