Boufal could be set for Saints debut
Southampton manager Claude Puel has confirmed that Sofiane Boufal could make his debut tonight against Inter Milan in the Europa League.
Boufal has been named in the 21-man squad for the clash, and Puel has revealed that he will be on the bench.
Speaking to Southampton’s website about a possible debut for Boufal, Saints manager Claude Puel said this:
We will see.
It’s a good thing, I think, to see for this game Sofiane Boufal, I think on the bench, and we will see if he can enter the game.
It’s important to find him again and he will be an important player for the squad and Southampton, and it’s important step-by-step to have him in good physical shape.
The Morrocan winger joined Southampton in the summer for a club-record, undisclosed, fee from Ligue 1 side Lille. However, injury has prevented him from making his debut to date.
Boufal is still recovering from injury he picked up toward the latter end of last season, but now looks set to pass the final barrier on the road to recovery – getting out on the pitch.
The 23-year-old needs minutes under his belt, and could feature off the bench with a view to starting against Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League.