Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed that midfielder Jack Cork will be absent until the end of January with an ankle injury.

Cork, who had problems with the same area last season, was forced off during the first half of the Saints' 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday evening, but Koeman has insisted that the blow won't stop the club offering the former Chelsea trainee a new deal.

The 51-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "Jack has an ankle ligament injury like he had last season.

"I have spoken to the club and told them that I would like to continue with Jack for more seasons and his injury does not change that."

Cork has made 13 appearances for Southampton in all competitions this season.