No Ryan Bertrand for Southampton as they open against Watford
Southampton boss Claude Puel will be without Ryan Bertrand for his first Premier League game as his side face Watford at St Mary's.
The 27-year-old left-back picked up a knee injury in training following his return from Euro 2016 with England.
Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares are doubts despite rejoining training but Virgil van Dijk has recovered from a knock.
Meanwhile, Puel would not be drawn into a prediction about where his team would finish the season.
Saints qualified for the group stages of the Europa League for the first time in the club's history after finishing sixth last season and Puel believes the added number of games will be hard for the squad.
He said: "I don't know where we are going to finish.
"If our football is interesting and good I will take pleasure from that and so will the fans.
"This team is used to good results and they have a good spirit.
"We have a lot of games (to play this season).
"It is the first time for these players to play this many games.
"It is important to keep the spirit and attitude high throughout the games so they have energy to play every three days.
"It is a little new for these players and they have to learn how to keep the balance."
Watford manager Walter Mazzarri will be without new signings Isaac Success and Brice Dja Djedje.
Djedje, a defender from Marseille, and striker Success, a record signing from Granada, are struggling with foot and leg injuries respectively.
Valon Behrami and Adlene Guedioura are also doubts as they recover from recent injuries, but Craig Cathcart is expected to play despite a back issue.
New boss Mazzarri insists his main objective is to keep the club in the Premier League.
Mazzarri, the 54-year-old Italian, was appointed as the successor to Quique Sanchez Flores in May after the Spaniard was sacked despite guiding the newly promoted Hornets to an impressive 13th-placed finish in the league and to an FA Cup semi-final.
But Mazzarri, who has previously managed Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter Milan, believes retaining Watford's top-flight status should be his number-one goal on the eve of the new campaign.
"The first objective is to stay in the Premier League," said Mazzarri.
"Those who know me, know that we will work hard and prepare to see how far we can get. But this for me is a new experience and I can't wait to start.
"I am also very curious as I have always been for the first games.
"There is also a bit of tension, but also a lot of attention to prepare for the games in the right way.
"I think I know the squad quite well, but there is still a lot to get to know. If I had to give a percentage it is 70 to 80 per cent, but there are still things to verify and tomorrow will be the first real test to know what level I am at."
Source: PAR
