Southampton team news v Arsenal: Fraser Forster fit despite pulling out of England squad

FRASER FORSTER is expected to be fit for Southampton‘s trip to Arsenal despite pulling out of the England squad.

Claude Puel has an almost full strength squad to pick from but record signing Sofiane Boufal is a month away from action.

And defender Jeremy Pied, who signed from Nice last month, could miss the rest of the season.

Puel said:"It's a big injury, it's a bad moment for the team as well. Perhaps he will come back between six and nine months."

"Before signing at Southampton I spoke with him about the possibilities about going to England," said Puel will face his mentor at the Emirates on Saturday and spoke highly of his rival.

He added: "Arsene Wenger was my trainer for seven years at Monaco and it's a pleasure to see him on the other bench.

"People sometimes do not understand the fantastic work of Arsene. He's an example for other coaches.

"He told me it will be a fantastic challenge to come into the Premier League."

Southampton likely (4-1-2-1-2): Forster; Cedric, van Dijk, Fonte, Bertrand; Romeu; Hojbjerg, Davis; Tadic; Redmond, Long.