Southampton latest addition Martin Caceres is set to miss their clash against relegation prone side Sunderland this week.

The club might be exposed when they host Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as their backline problem continue.

Skipper and defender Virgil van Dijk has been ruled out for up to three months after he sustained an injury in the game against Leicester City. The Saints have sold their other defender in Jose Fonte to the Hammers, limiting their options when they face Sunderland.

The Saints tried getting a replacement for the backline but efforts failed. They had to turn to Caceres but the free agent would not be ready on time.

Sunderland are amongst the clubs that wanted to sign the former Juventus and Barcelona defender. The 29-year old Uruguayan was released by Serie A giant Juventus during the summer, hence the ability to join any club outside of the transfer window. That was how Sunderland signed Victor Anichebe last September. Anichebe was already playing in England so it was faster to hit the ground unlike Caceres who has to sort out other issues like his work permit.

Caceres has not played since his Achilles injury a year ago. His purported move to Trabzonspor was blighted as he did not reach their medical requirements but he is now focused on reviving his career.

He might be ready for Southampton’s next game against Manchester United which ironically is the big stage 2017 EFL Cup final. Southampton have lost three games since earning the right to play in the final.

On the other hand, Sunderland won their last game against Crystal Palace, defeating them at home 4-0. It came at a huge cost as they lost Jack Rodwell, Adnan Januzaj, and John O’Shea to injuries.