Steve Bruce reacts to Southampton striker Danny Ings’s injury blow

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Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has admitted – in comments reported by the Chronicle – that he is pleased to hear that Danny Ings’s injury is not as serious as first feared following Ralph Hasenhuttl’s claim that the Southampton striker could be out for up to six weeks.

There were worrying scenes during the Saints’ recent win over Aston Villa. Ings went down holding his knee. And given the problems he has had in the past with injury, Southampton fans would have been forgiven for fearing the worst.

The good news appears to be that the problem is not as bad as some would have initially feared. However, Hasenhuttl did confirm – in comments reported by Hampshire Live – that Ings is set to undergo surgery and could be out for up to six weeks.

That, of course, could be viewed as something of a positive for Newcastle given that the two sides play each other on Friday. But Bruce insisted that he is very pleased to hear that the forward will not be out for the long-term.

“I wish him a speedy recovery,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle. “He deserves a bit of luck because he’s had a lot of injuries and I’m pleased it isn’t serious for him. Southampton have had a remarkable 12 months. They have a very good side and it’ll be a very tough place to go.”

TBR View: Southampton will be desperate to prove point

There is no question that losing Ings – who earns £75,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – is a blow for the Saints. However, the rest of the squad will surely feel that they have a real point to prove with the 28-year-old unavailable.

Some will probably expect Southampton to struggle in his absence. And if they do go on a poor run, it may leave many wondering if they are indeed almost too reliant on Ings.

So they may feel even more determined to step up while he is out. And given the start Hasenhuttl’s men have made to this season, Newcastle certainly cannot afford to take Southampton lightly just because of this setback.