New blow for Cork

Southampton midfielder Jack Cork has confirmed he faces up to six weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 23-year-old limped off in the 81st minute of Tuesday's 2-0 Capital One Cup third-round victory over Sheffield Wednesday - his first match back from an ankle problem suffered in pre-season. Cork was seen at St Mary's in a leg brace on Thursday and has confirmed via his Twitter account that he faces another stretch on the sidelines.

"Another 4-6 weeks, with my left knee," he said on the social media site.

"Lucks just not going my way this season. Could be worse, but was so close to getting back from the ankle."

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins confirmed the injury in a press conference previewing Saturday's trip to Everton.

"It has been a stop-start [time for him]," he said.

"Obviously he has been away with GB through pre-season so he has not had a pre-season with ourselves.

"He comes back, he didn't play any games really and he picks up an injury at Bristol City.

"He recovers from that and he has gone and picked up another injury so what it will do is make him stronger.

"It is a good place at Southampton so we'll keep his spirits up, he'll work harder and then when he comes back he will be raring to go."