Sofiane Boufal could be in line to make his full debut against Sunderland in the League cup this evening as Claude Puel looks to rest players.
Sofiane Boufal could be one of the beneficiaries of the packed programme Saints are smack in the middle of, the hectic schedule means that Claude Puel will need to rest players and Sofiane Boufal as well as some of the youngsters could be in line to step up.
But in the case of Boufal it is a case of not wanting to push the player too far too fast, having suffered the knee injury that had delayed his Saints debut at the tail end of last season he has not had the pre season that would really be required to reach the fitness levels needed in the Premier League.
That means Puel will be wary of pushing him too hard and not only risking his knee which will still be being built up to strength, but also other areas of the body which could be at risk of tears and strains.
That means the French manager needs to decide ho much game time he gives the club's record signing, does he start him and give him an hour or does he continue along the same track of the last week with perhaps 30 minutes coming off the bench.
Speaking to the press Puel said.
"We will see his recovery to see the possibility for this game and if he can start,”
"I don’t know, we have to see his recovery and his knee. "
"It was difficult just 20 minutes for him (at Manchester City) but it’s important to stay present with him and to see him come back step by step."
"He will be an important player for the squad and it’s important to keep him with a good physical, and without injury is even more important.”
Either way there will be changes in the attacking third and Jay Rodriguez looks likely to start in place of Charlie Austin, but Puel knows he needs to rest other players and it could be that Olufela Olomola could also get a start as the manager looks to rest those who have played the bulk of the games.