Cedric Soares has yet to return to training after an illness last week, but Mark Hughes will have no issues with playing him against Burnley

Cedric Soares was due to return last week after his exploits in the World Cup for Portugal, but despite the fact that he has not played now for over a month, Mark Hughes is still considering him for the season's opener against Burnley on Sunday.

The right back was due to return to the club last week following a post-World Cup summer break, but had to postpone due to a bout of gastroenteritis. But he is due back at Staplewood today to start his pre season build up.

But Mark Hughes feels that Cedric could still play a part on Sunday.

“I think if it was anybody other than Cedric in terms of fitness and worrying whether he could hit the ground running. Cedric is the one guy we wouldn’t worry too much about because he is a fitness guy who loves playing football and loves keeping himself in first class condition.

“The fact he’s been off all he’s missed is game time.

“If he has to go in straightaway and I feel that is the right thing for the team then that’s what I will do.”

In reality although Hughes has no other experienced right back available on Sunday he does have options including switching either Ryan Bertrand or Matt Targett to that role, or playing a three man back four and one of our wide men as a wing back.

Burnley were a surprise team last season, but they were not an attacking one, so Hughes might feel that he would be better keeping Cedric back for the trip to Everton the following week when he would probably be needed more in defensive action than he would be on Sunday at St Mary's

There are rumours on social media that Cedric wants away and that was his reason for his no show last week at Staplewood, Hughes seems to be satisfied that his reason was genuine, although some sceptics will perhaps put 2 & 2 together and make 5 and say that this is Hughes calling his bluff.

Photo: Action Images

IWOZTHERE added 11:33 - Aug 7 I think Cedric is over-rated anyway. His crossing is dreadful and in defence he's targetted by deep crosses and beaten in the air too often. That said, how have the club failed to get in a 'number 2' number 2 and failed to strengthen the other obvious weak areas yet again?
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BathSaint added 12:29 - Aug 7 I completely agree with IWOZTHERE, Cedric has felt like a weakness in the defence ever since we swapped Clyne for him. The vast majority of goals conceded come from attacks down our right. That said, if we werent going to buy an additional right back I cannot understand why we let pied go. He provided more than adequate cover, won't have been on large wages, and seemed a model professional.

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SaintNick added 13:16 - Aug 7 Pied was a model professional, but he spent most of the time he was here injured, so provided little cover for us in truth, not his fault
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mikesaint added 17:39 - Aug 7 Best news today Watford have made a £10million offer for James Ward-Prowse. Hope we bite their hands off for that much. https://talksport.com/football/408474/watford-reportedly-make-bid-for-southampto
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aceofthebase added 20:35 - Aug 7 Pied played as good if not better than Cedric but that wouldn't have been that difficult. IWOZTHERE you echo my words which I have been saying for two seasons. Bottom line is we need a right back urgently.
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