Southampton boss Claude Puel has suggested that club-record signing Sofiane Boufal could take up to a month to get back to full fitness.
The Morocco international joined the Saints for a fee thought to be in the region of £16m from Lille in the summer, but is yet to feature for Puel's side after arriving on the south coast with a knee injury.
"Boufal has a little injury for the moment," said Puel, according to Sky Sports News.
"He worked very well, every day, but now it's important he make good work with a strong knee. When he comes back with us he can play at a good level.
"I don't know [when he will be fit]. I think one month or more to get back to a good level."
Boufal notched 11 goals and five assists for Lille last campaign.
