Crouch joins Saints' sick list
Southampton striker Peter Crouch has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.
Southampton's striking options have been further depleted after Peter Crouch was ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.Crouch joins attacking cohort James Beattie in missing the next six weeks of the campaign, with the England international absent with a broken toe.
Summer signing Crouch was injured during Saints' 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Saturday after landing awkwardly on the turf.
Saints are optimistic that the angular front man will not require an operation but will have to wait three weeks to discover if surgery is necessary.
The former Aston Villa forward will undergo treatment for three weeks and Saints physio Jim Joyce admitted there are several minor issues with Crouch's knee.
"It is not just a tweak or a sprain or a tear but several areas of damage," Joyce told the club's official website.
"We are hopeful he will not need surgery but we won't know until he goes back to the consultant."
Crouch's absence, in addition to Beattie's, could lead to a St Mary's lifeline for Brett Ormerod once his loan at Leeds United expires.
Teenage striker Leon Best is another option for Saints head coach Steve Wigley, particularly with Marian Pahars still sidelined.
Wigley is likely to have Graeme Le Saux available for the club's next game against Everton after the veteran full back was hurt against City.
Le Saux suffered a minor knee ligament sprain in the stalemate but is expected to return to training next week ahead of the trip to Goodison Park on October 16.
