Saints will have a problem in defence for the visit of Burnley as it has been confirmed that both first choice full backs will be missing through injury.

Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand will both be missing for the game on Sunday against Burnley, with Matt Targett also a minor doubt, also Shane Long although not definitely ruled out will more than likely be joining the two full backs in the stand to watch the game.

This poses a selection problem for Claude Puel, at right back he will probably go with Cuco Martina and if fit Matt Targett, both have done well in the Europa League and when called upon in the other competitions, however it will mean he will not have the attacking options from both that Bertrand and Soares offer.

But if Targett does not pass muster then it will complicate matters and Puel has to decide who to play in that position with Yoshida an option as well as Sam McQueen.

However at his press conference this afternoon the French manager seemed confident that he had the solutions to the problems in the squad and that the team would be able to cope.

Certainly Puel's method of rotating the squad for cup games will help in this situation in that any player that does come in does so with game time behind him and not ring rusty.

The real issue will be for the trip to Inter Milan, at the back at least Puel will not have much options for rotation and may have to play some players a little more than he would wish.

Photo: Action Images

aceofthebase added 07:43 - Oct 15 Saints will not have a problem in defense. Targett is well established in this position and will not let us down. Martina is far superior as a defender than Cedric and has proved beyond any doubt that he is a danger going forward and that his crosses find the heads of our attackers.
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EasternSaint added 13:54 - Oct 15 Maya played a full game in Australia on Tuesday night, so not sure what condition he is in, but it can't be 100% after all that traveling! Another option might be better.
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