Southampton manager Claude Puel has claimed that he is under no pressure to play Martin Caceres from now until the end of the season, despite signing him as defensive cover in January.
The Uruguayan defender joined the Saints as a free-agent after being released by Juventus, but he will still reportedly earn £850k for his short spell on the south coast.
The 29-year-old has not played competitive football for over a year, and as a result he needs time to regain his fitness.
However, there are just 13 Premier League games remaining this season, and although Puel claims he's taking it 'step by step', he's not expected to play a big role for the Saints this season.
He improves step by step every training session. I hope he continues this work,� Puel told theDaily Echo.
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 a good opportunity to make a good official game against the good young players of Chelsea and see him in a good situation.�
Puel confirms he'll also make a decision tomorrow on whether MartÃn Cáceres features. He's been impressed with his fitness levels. #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/Jg8yWCoDBc
Despite the fact that Southampton's board have shelled out £850k for the former Barcelona man's short-term deal, Puel feels under no obligation to select the player for first-team matches.
For me it's important just to see good things for the team,� Puel added.
It's not pressure for me, no obligation with any player.
It's important to see always the good possibilities, the good balance in the team, the work of any player in training, and to do the good solution for the team.
For me a young player, an experienced player, all the players are important.
I try to put in the pitch the best players in the team.�
Southampton sold club-captain Jose Fonte to West Ham in January, that coupled with Virgil van Dijk's long-term injury, has seen the Saints become decidedly short in defence.