Jack Cork: Southampton midfielder out for up to two months

Cork began his career as a youngster at Chelsea and joined Southampton after a series of loan spells

Southampton midfielder Jack Cork will not play again this year after being ruled out for six to eight weeks.

Cork, 25, suffered an ankle injury in the first half of Southampton's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal on Wednesday.

The club are already without midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Morgan Schneiderlin.

Meanwhile, Saints boss Ronald Koeman told BBC Radio Solent he has informed the club's board he would like Cork to be offered a new contract.

The four-year deal that Cork signed in July 2011 expires in the summer.

"Jack has an ankle ligament injury like he had last season," confirmed Koeman.

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

Koeman added Schneiderlin would miss Monday's game against Manchester United but said the injury to defender Toby Alderweireld was not as bad as first feared.