Southampton fans have been left reeling at reports that defender Virgil van Dijk is set for a three-month spell on the sidelines.

The Sun claims that the extent of an ankle injury suffered against Leicester City at the weekend is worse than first feared.

The 25-year-old hobbled off the pitch early into the second half of the Saints' 3-0 win over the reigning Premier League champions at St Mary's after being caught by Jamie Vardy.

Manager Claude Puel had already confirmed that Van Dijk will not play in this evening's EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield, but he may be without the defender for much longer.

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If the reports are true, the Netherlands international will only be able to contribute in the last few weeks of the season.

Those could be his final appearances for the Saints given that he has been heavily linked with a move elsewhere.

Manchester City and Chelsea are among the admirers, according to The Sun.

For now, though, Southampton fans are concerned about the fitness of one of their key players.

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