Jan Bednarek could make Southampton league debut against Chelsea tomorrow

Jan Bednarek could make his Premier League debut for Southampton against Chelsea tomorrow according to manager Mark Hughes.

Signed for £5m last summer, the Polish defender has made just two cup appearances for the Saints.

However, following Jack Stephens’ dismissal against Arsenal last weekend, Saints are now short on defenders if they are to play a similar system featuring five players at the back.

Despite Bednarek’s relative inexperience, Hughes appears confident the Poland international has the qualities to make the step up in competitive football.

“He is a confident young man in himself. He has got a good stature, he is a good size and has a good technical ability,” said Hughes. [H/T the Daily Echo]

“He is a full international, he is a young man but he has played at the top level. What I like about him is that he communicates really well, he is always talking in defensive positions and that is always a good trait.

“He has impressed me, but clearly I have to be comfortable in my mind that that’s the way to go. We might look at different things but he is a good young player.

“Clearly, he hasn’t been exposed to the Premier League which is one caveat against him but from what I’ve seen in training and his attitude around the place, he looks a good young player.”

Given Chelsea’s attacking prowess, Bednarek could well have a significant part to play on Saturday should he be given the nod.