Claude Puel may be forced to rotate his Southampton side against Arsenal

Saints boss Claude Puel has revealed that he may be forced to returned to his rotating ways against the Gunners this Wednesday.

It seems like Southampton have had game’s in hand seen the second week of the Premier League season, and even in May they’re still catching up with the other teams. This week is no exception, as Claude Puel attending another presser ahead of Wednesday’s game against Arsenal.

But the under-fire Frenchman may be forced to changed his side against the North Londoners, with the Saints having played as recently as yesterday afternoon in order to feature on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday.

He said: “There are no new injuries. Perhaps there is a little tiredness, but we will see this over the next day or so.”

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Puel’s rotation methods were met with high scrutiny early in the season, but this time around it could be most welcome, with Southampton having not won since the game against West Brom exactly a month ago.

It means that the Frenchman could give valuable game time to the likes of Josh Sims or Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who have both impressed when given their chances over the past months.

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The 55-year-old also provided another update on Charlie Austin and Matt Targett, who both featured in Friday’s game between Southampton under-23’s and Manchester City under-23’s.

The duo have previously been absent for five and seven months respectively, but have both been making their return to fitness and could feature by the end of the campaign

Puel said earlier today: “It’s interesting to see again Charlie Austin and Matt Targett starting with the under-23’s.

“They have come back and worked hard in the training sessions, but we will see if they can participate until the end of the season.”

Austin’s return would be most welcomed by Puel, with the Englishman still leading the Saints in scoring this season despite not featuring since December. His nine goals from 19 appearances. As a trio, Manolo Gabbiadini, Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez only have ten.

As a result, the former Nice manager has revealed he’s excited at the prospect of having so much choice at front following Austin return to full fitness.

He said: I have a choice, but it’s important to see every time the possibility to play in a good rhythm and intensity and if I decide he can bring something for the team I will not hesitate.

“Perhaps it will be interesting for us and for him to see him in the game. We have possibilities with Gabbiadini, Long, Rodriguez and now Charlie”

Southampton’s game against Arsenal is this Wednesday, with a 7:45 PM kick-off.