Southampton's preparations ahead of their EFL Cup clash with league rivalsArsenal on Wednesday night have been boosted by the timely return of star duo Sofiane Boufal and Steven Davis.
Both players were absent from the Saints team that beat Everton 1-0 on Sunday and will offer the south coast club additional options as they plot a route to the semi-finals.
Boufal, the club record signing whose goal in the previous round was enough to see off Sunderland,was absent with a slight knock while Davis was ill, but both returned to training ahead of the quarter-final tie at the Emirates.
Southampton's French manager confirmed that the duo would be available for selection, although he also added thatDušan Tadić and Matt Targett were out:
"Boufal comes back and Davis also," said Puel.
"Tadić is not available and Targett also, and for the other players we will see the group for the game. It will be different. Some players will stay at home to recover and other players can give a good performance I hope.
"One player Puel indicated is likely to be given a rest is 19-year-old winger Josh Sims, who made a spectacular debut in Sunday's victory.
"We will see. I think for Josh it's important now he stays quiet and can recover, not just physically but also mentally," he said.
"It's important he stays with a good spirit and good attitude. His work has just begun, it is not finished and it is important to keep him with a good attitude for the future."