Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips has described Danny Ings' recent injury as a "huge blow" for the Saints.

Despite an injury-hit campaign, Ings is Southampton's top goalscorer this campaign, but suffered another major setback at Sheffield United last weekend.

Just 13 minutes into Saints' win at Bramall Lane, the England frontman sustained a muscle problem and is now facing around four weeks on the sidelines.

Ings missed almost the whole of November following a knee injury and also spent the best-part of January out injured.

It means that the former Liverpool striker won't be available for Southampton's crucial Premier League meeting with Brighton on Sunday and is expected to miss their FA Cup quarter-final with Bournemouth the following week and home game with Burnley at the beginning of April.

Since Ings' injury, Che Adams has stepped up to the plate by scoring Saints' second against the Blades before netting a consolation in their defeat at Man City.

But despite Adams' impressive form, Phillips was in no mood to underplay the loss of Ings. He told Football FanCast:

"Losing Danny Ings for a few weeks is a huge blow for Southampton".

Whilst it's obviously a considerable blow for Southampton, beating Sheffield United was a massive result for them, especially following Fulham's surprise victory at Anfield later in the day.

Saints head into the weekend just seven points above the relegation-zone, but with Fulham hosting Manchester City, beating Brighton on Sunday will surely but secure Southampton's Premier League status.