Ruben Selles
The central defensive duo have found opportunities limited under Selles thus far with Caleta-Car starting once in the Premier League under the Spaniard while Lyanco is yet to earn a starting berth.
But both defenders were called upon from the bench at Arsenal last Friday, Caleta-Car replacing Jan Bednarek after he suffered a concussion before Lyanco came on for Charly Alcaraz when Selles switched to a back five during the interval.
And despite Saints conceding twice late on to draw 3-3 with the Gunners, Selles feels the two defenders have now proven they are able to step in when necessary.
Ruben Selles said: “Duje and Lyanco proved the centre-backs that they are and that they’ve been working hard for their opportunity. They got it. If some of them need to start tomorrow or both of them if we change to a back five, then they are ready. I talk about players being able to make an impact on the game and it’s not just words. You can see immediately, especially in the Arsenal game, how players like Lyanco who have not been used enough this season, he stepped in and does a fantastic job. Duje in the West Ham game and on Friday. I have no doubt any of them can play from the beginning.”
After keeping three clean sheets in their first four league matches under Selles, Saints are without such a defensive rearguard in their last six.
The status of Bednarek remains up in the air ahead of Saints’ meeting with Bournemouth as the Polish international gets set to clear concussion protocols Wednesday night before he’s assessed on Thursday ahead of the game.
