Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares are facing a crucial 48 hours days in their bid to convince Claude Puel they are ready to face Watford in the big Premier League kick-off on Saturday.

The pair have only played 45 minutes each in pre-season after being given permission to return to the club late following their Euro 2016 winning exploits with Portugal.

That match will be five week ago this weekend, with the lack of games in between leaving Saints concerned that they may not be fully fit and match sharp for the test that awaits when the Hornets visit on the opening weekend.

Puel resisted the temptation to give them a longer run out in the final pre-season game against Athletic Bilbao, opting instead to ease them in gently and continue to monitor them in training.

Skipper Fonte will be desperate to lead his side into the new season, while Cedric wants to cement his place at right back after a mixed first year at St Mary’s.

However, Puel is trying to take an objective view on whether they are able to play or if he will have to bide his time with them a little longer, not wanting to expose them if he is not convinced they are fully ready.

Should Fonte not make it then Maya Yoshida will play at centre half alongside Virgil van Dijk.

It is a bit more of dilemma at right back.

Jeremy Pied has been signed as the front line alternative to Cedric, however, his fitness situation is of even greater debate than Cedric’s.

Pied has also only played 45 minutes of pre-season for Saints, with his last game coming at the end of last season.

Cuco Martina, who appears to have fallen down to third choice in the overall pecking order, might have the chance to try and revive his Saints career as the onus could fall on him if Puel decides Cedric and Pied are not ready.

Martina is fully fit and raring to go having played the full 90 minutes as Saints drew with Espanyol.

He was left out of the match day squad for the Bilbao game with Cedric and Pied sharing the right back slot between them.

Puel will be keen to get Fonte and Cedric in the team if he can, as he is already without the injured Ryan Bertrand at left back.

To start the season without three of his four first choice defence would be a challenge for the new boss, who wants to make a good impression early on.

Daily Echo: