SAINTS legend Francis Benali insists it would be a big “gamble” for Claude Puel to hand new signing Martin Caceres a dramatic Wembley debut.

The centre-back has not played for more than a year and Benali believes that it would be “near on impossible” for the Uruguayan to be fit for the showpiece final against Manchester United at Wembley a week tomorrow.

The former Juventus and Barcelona man, who joined Saints as a free agent on a short-term deal until the end of the season, was last in competitive action on 3 February 2016, when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Claude Puel will soon establish the 29-year-old's fitness levels after the new recruit joined up with Saints for their warm weather training camp in Spain.

While former defender Benali recognises the importance of bringing in a new centre-back, he speculates that the League Cup final will come too soon for Caceres.

“It’s a good thing for the club to have another player around,” he said. “It seems a risk-free arrangement and makes sense, considering his previous fitness problems, to bring him in on a short-term deal.

“Apart from the wages he’s cost nothing and will provide added depth to the squad.

“Saints have lost a lot of quality with Virgil van Dijk’s injury and it was crucial bring someone in.

“But with the transfer window closed their hands were tied in terms of who they could bring in.

“Another injury in the squad would have caused big problems, so this makes everyone more comfortable.

“It’s a sensible signing and it could well pay off, but I wouldn’t imagine he’d be involved at Wembley ... that’s near on impossible.

“If he hasn’t been playing at a competitive level it would be a big gamble.

“If I were the manager I would want to know what he’s all about and ease him in to the team.

“It would be a pretty big call to play him at Wembley.”

Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens have been Puel’s first choice centre-back partnership since Van Dijk’s injury and Jose Fonte’s departure to West Ham.

While there have been moments where the duo have looked fragile, they’ve also put in stellar performances - especially at Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final second leg victory.

Benali praised Yoshida and Stephens for their displays so far.

“It’s a decision for Puel and I wouldn’t be surprised if if he had a good idea on his line-up at Wembley already,” he said.

“Yoshida has come in and not let anyone down, while young Stephens has done very well.

“They had to do a lot of defending at Liverpool and it was a massive night for them.”