Southampton vs Middlesbrough injury news as six ruled out and one doubt | OneFootball

Southampton and Middlesbrough head into a goalless second leg at St Mary's with a place in the play-off final at Wembley at stake. According to Sainstmarching.com, Saints are favourites thanks to overall form, home advantage and a shorter injury list.

Boro have been excellent away this season and, amid the spy-gate saga, the return promises to be fiercely contested. The fallout has cast Saints as the villains for many, regardless of any investigation outcome, and coping with play-off pressure will be key.

Saints boss Tonda Eckert said the team must take the final step together with the supporters, while accepting it will not be easy against strong opponents. He highlighted the clean sheet and late attacking moments from the first leg as positives, and said they will go all in on Tuesday with strong home backing.

Alfie Jones had ankle surgery just after Christmas and is out until next season. Darragh Lenihan remains sidelined with an Achilles issue, and Alex Bangura is out for the season with a hamstring problem sustained in April.

Hayden Hackney is a doubt, with Kim Hellberg expressing hope he can be involved on Tuesday. Alex McCarthy is not expected back due to a wrist injury, Mads Roerslev’s February operation ended his season, and Jack Stephens remains unavailable.

Source: Sainstmarching.com