Ireland striker out with hamstring injury

Southampton and Ireland striker Michael Obafemi has been confirmed as out for the season with a hamstring injury, greeted with dismay by Ralph Hasenhüttl.

Obafemi injured himself against Arsenal with such severity that not only rules him out for the season, but could have serious implications for his career.

With Southampton in the relegation zone, Hasenhüttl's tone does not augur well for the young Irish international's immediate future.

"The worst thing for himself because another big injury at this age where you want to play, you want to get experience and you want to make the next step in your development - it doesn't help him a lot for the future," said the Saints boss.

"That means it is a big problem for his career in professional football."

Hasenhüttl spoke of Obafemi's mindset following the news, which naturally rules the 18 year-old out of contention for the upcoming international matches with the Republic of Ireland.

"He was down, that is for sure. We need to take him in our arms a little bit because for a young player, it is the worst that can happen - that is for sure."

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