SAINTS defender Armel Bella-Kotchap is waiting on a specialist to determine the extent of his shoulder injury suffered ahead of the international break, the Daily Echo understands.

The German international has been forced to withdraw from his country’s national squad for their upcoming friendlies after being withdrawn in the first half of the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Bella-Kotchap, 21, has already responded to the situation online, writing: “I’ll be back soon, thank you Saints family.”

The youngster understandably opted against surgery for a dislocated shoulder last year in order to make the Germany World Cup squad for the winter tournament in Qatar.

Those close to Bella-Kotchap are understood to be particularly gutted by the latest development, as they felt the defender was getting back to his maximum sharpness.

Bella-Kotchap and Jan Bednarek, who was also substituted in the first half on Saturday through injury, had been guarantees in defence under new manager Ruben Selles.

The pair had kept three clean sheets in their first five matches under the Spanish boss. If Bella-Kotchap requires surgery, it could sideline him for a period of months.

Saints have just 10 Premier League matches left this season and must come from two points adrift of safety to beat the drop to the Championship.