Claude Puel says Martín Cáceres could feature for Southampton Under-23s against their Chelsea counterparts on Monday night at St Mary’s.
Claude Puel says Martín Cáceres could feature for Southampton Under-23s against their Chelsea counterparts on Monday night at St Mary’s.
The defender, who arrived at Southampton two weeks ago, has not played this season having worked his way back from an injury sustained while at Juventus.
With Saints not in action in the Premier League for another two weeks after Watford, Puel believes Monday night’s Premier League 2 game presents a good opportunity for the defender.
“He improves step-by-step every training session. I hope he continues this work,” Puel said.
“I don’t know if he can start the next game, or perhaps to see him also with the opportunity to play with the Under-23s against Chelsea on Monday.
“It’s perhaps an opportunity to make a good official game against the good young players of Chelsea and see him in this situation.”
And Puel adds that he does not feel pressure to play the experienced international in a first-team game right away, as he works his way back to full match sharpness, with the focus on the team rather than the individual.
“For me it’s important just to see good things for the team,” he explained.
“It’s not pressure for me, no obligation with any player. It’s important to see always the good possibilities, the balance of the team, the work of any player in training.
“For me a young player, an experienced player, all the players are important. I try to put on the pitch the best players in the team.”
It will be free entry at St Mary's for Monday night's Premier League 2 clash with Chelsea.
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