Southampton striker Charlie Austin has told Sky Sports News that he is around five weeks away from fitness.

What's the update?

The 28-year-old has been on the sidelines since the end of December with a hamstring injury.

Prior to the blow, the forward was in positive form, scoring five goals in seven games for the Saints.

During his absence, Mauricio Pellegrino's side have struggled to impress in front of goal, and they have secured victory in just one of their eight league matches since Austin got injured.

While speaking to Sky Sports News, the former Queens Park Rangers striker claimed that he is edging towards fitness, but is still expected to be out of action for the next five weeks.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/most-injured.mp4

Do Southampton miss him?

There is no denying that the coastal club have been in need of firepower up front.

Shane Long has been misfiring, while Manolo Gabbiadini has also had a slump.

Guido Carrillo was brought into the team in the January transfer window to provide some extra options up front, but he is taking time to find his feet.

As it stands, Southampton are one point from safety in the Premier League, and with Austin not due back until the end of March, the club cannot afford to wait for him to save them.