Saturday 28 January 2017 22:08, UK
Claude Puel insisted he has no regrets about making 10 changes to his side despite seeing Southampton thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round at St Mary's.
Southampton crashed to earth after the midweek heroics of seeing off Liverpool to reach the EFL Cup final as they were brushed aside by the Gunners.
Saints' second-string were no match for Arsenal's reserves - but boss Claude Puel still made no apologies.
"I decided to make changes, but if I had the moment again to make the selection I would do the same again," said Puel. "It's a difficult moment for us with recovery.
"Before the game we had nine players not available for this game. And playing always with the same players, it's impossible for us.
"It's a good lesson for the future, and it was important to come back in the second half with a good answer and good play, and it was better.
"But the balance between young players and experienced players was not enough. We have very important games against Swansea and West Ham coming up.
Some of the changes made by Puel were forced upon the Frenchman, with Virgil van Dijk one of those injured stars.
After losing Jose Fonte to West Ham in this transfer window, Saints have been linked with a host of replacements, but Puel will wait to find out the extent of Van Dijk's injury before deciding whether to delve into the transfer market.
"For Virgil [van Dijk] I'd hope that Monday or Tuesday we can have an answer on his injury," Puel added. "I maintain what I said, I prefer to wait for the results of Virgil's diagnostics [before making a final decision on a possible new recruit].
"And we'll decide what to do after this. We have to wait for the results."
