Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed his fury over the scheduling of the Confederations Cup this summer, stating that it was "inconvenient".

Saints duo Gaston Ramirez and Maya Yoshida were on duty for Uruguay and Japan respectively, and have just returned to the club following an extended break after the competition.

Pochettino told reporters: "The FIFA schedule is inconvenient for every manager.

"We are angry because Gaston and Maya played in the Confederations Cup so came late and don't have the same fitness as the other players.

"We will try to get them ready for the first game but we do not know yet."

Southampton kick off their Premier League campaign on August 17 against West Bromwich Albion.