Southampton could cash in on Welington as likely starter faces Manchester City | OneFootball

Southampton head to Wembley for a daunting FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, with suspensions forcing changes that could hand Welington a rare start. Tonda Eckert’s plans have been complicated at the worst time.

Sainstmarching.com reports that Flynn Downes has been suspended for violent conduct, and Ryan Manning will also miss out after a booking against Arsenal. The flashpoint involving Downes came in the 2-1 win in Wales. Shea Charles and Caspar Jander could cover at the base of midfield.

The Saints stunned Arsenal at St Mary’s in the previous round, reviving memories of 1976 and keeping an unexpected final appearance within reach. Even so, Eckert enters this one-off with key pieces missing.

Welington’s debut season has been stop start, his last start came in February, and the five-foot-seven left-back faces a stern audition against Pep Guardiola’s side. He looks likely to be selected out of necessity rather than form.

The report suggests Southampton could move Welington on in the summer, with interest from Internacional, Flamengo and Palmeiras and a fee around £2.6m mooted. A strong display would not harm his prospects, but this is a steep examination.

Recent arrivals Leo Scienza and Finn Azaz have impressed, yet Welington increasingly looks a misfire, and an exit route appears to be forming.

Source: Sainstmarching.com