Claude Puel has revealed that Sofiane Boufal is edging closer to make his Southampton debut after finally overcoming a knee problem.
The Frenchman stated that Boufal would not start matches for the foreseeable future but told the club's official website that he was now fit enough to feature from the substitutes' bench.
Boufal was a £15m summer signing from French club Lille, but the winger is yet to play any minutes for his new side after picking up a knee strain in training just four days after joining the Saints in August.
The 23-year-old was given the green light to resume full training during the October international break, and has boosted his match fitness during the lull in Premier League action as a result.
And Puel now believes that the Morocco international can begin to show his undoubted quality as he eases him back into first-team contention.
He said:I think it is early to see Sofiane but he has made progress and has improved.
We will see when he can participate with the squad and perhaps he could start on the bench to feel the team, the game and to take bits from it.
It's important that step by step we will give him some game time and we make progress with everything.
It is difficult to come back after five months out with just two weeks with his teammates. We are seeing many good things from him now on the pitch in the training sessions.�
Puel also provided an update on striker Jay Rodriguez who, after overcoming his own long term injury lay off, has spent the past few weeks sidelined with a groin issue.
Puel added: Jay came back two weeks ago and step by step he has arrived at a good physical level and he will be able to participate with the group for the game on Sunday.�
#SaintsFC are confident that both Sofiane Boufal and Jay Rodriguez will be ready to face Burnley following a successful 2 weeks of training
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