Southampton have done a fantastic job of maintaining their Premier League status year after year since their return to the top division.

Even more impressively, they've managed it despite the loss of key players to the bigger sides in the league, such as Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne, Victor Wanyama, Morgan Schneilderlin and Luke Shaw.

This term, the latest high-profile departure was not a player but their former boss Ronald Koeman, who left St. Mary's for the blue half of Merseyside. His replacement, Claude Puel, has settled quiet well into life on the south coast.

But with the festive fixtures heating up, the last thing any club wants is losing players to injury. Charlie Austin has been key since his switch from QPR last term - scoring nine goals in 13 games so far this season - but suffering a shoulder injury that has ruled him out for four months is a huge blow to Puel's side.

That loss will surely spark the search for credible replacements when the January transfer window opens, as Jay Rodriguez has proven to be far from reliable due to his own fitness issues.

We take a look at realistic additions that the Saints should consider.

Daniel Sturridge

The 27 year old has found life under Jurgen Klopp rather difficult, so far failing to adapt to the manager's philosophy which demands high intensity, and has resultantly fallen down the pecking order. But few could dispute the quality he brings to any side with the ex-Chelsea man netting 43 goals in 77 Premier League games for the Reds so far.  He would surely be a fantastic addition to Puel's side, should they put in a successful bid.

Kelechi Iheneacho (loan)

This youngster has steadily gone about his progress at the Etihad Stadium, making useful contributions when called upon. The 20-year-old Nigerian international has proven to be a reliable goal poacher, scoring 11 times in 36 games for City - 60% of which have come from the bench.

But with City-bound Brazilian international Gabriel Jesus coming into the side in January, Kelechi could find game time hard to come by. Guardiola may be looking to loan him out to get some playing time in the Premier League and where better to continue his development than at St. Mary's.

Anthony Modeste

The 2016/17 season has been one to remember so far for Modeste. The 28-year-old has 12 goals for Cologne in the Bundesliga this term, with only Dortmund's  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (15) scoring more throughout the division.

He is one of the reasons why the German club have been so hard to beat this term and therefore, may cost a decent amount of money to lure him in. But all in all, the Saints should have no problem securing his services.