Southampton's £12m signing Gaston Ramirez out for six weeks

Gaston Ramirez (2nd L) celebrates with team-mates after scoring the opening goal (Getty Images)

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has confirmed club record signing Gaston Ramirez faces six weeks on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old has impressed for the south coast side since joining for a fee upwards of £12million in the summer from Serie A outfit Bologna.

Ramirez missed Saints' 2-2 draw with Fulham before the international break after he was treated in hospital for a dead leg, which resulted in swelling of his thigh.

Adkins today confirmed the Uruguay international faces up to a six-week absence and will miss Saturday's trip to West Ham in the Premier League.

"I think six weeks is probably about right, but we'll see how he progresses through the rehab stages," Adkins said.

"If the time is from the medical department, it is from the date of original injury.

"He is showing good signs of recovery at this moment of time, but he won't be fit for the weekend."

PA