Southampton manager Russell Martin has hinted at playing Kyle Walker-Peters at left back following Ryan Manning’s suspension.
Manning picked up his fifth yellow card in the 2-1 win away at Hull City on Saturday afternoon, meaning he is suspended for Wednesday night’s trip to Preston North End.
This causes a selection dilemma for Martin, with no other fit senior left backs.
Martin hints at Manning replacement
Speaking ahead of the Preston match, Martin has hinted at playing star man Walker-Peters at left-back, after claiming he can play in most positions on the pitch.
Walker-Peters has been in brilliant form for Saints, recently being named in the Championship team of the weekend.
“Firstly, Kyle can play anywhere. I genuinely think that,” Martin told Hampshire Live.
The only position that I probably wouldn’t play him is centre-half. He can play right, left, right midfield, left midfield, central midfield.
“He can probably play as a number 10. He is that good a footballer. He is having a huge impact in the position that he is in.
“Do we think that he can be as impactful on the other side of the pitch? It is a discussion that we are having with him and the other players who are contending for his place.
“We might even tweak the shape a little bit to accommodate the people who are coming in. We will just wait and see. It is something that we have discussed a lot. You will see the decision tomorrow night.”
Martin also has one other option
Martin does not have many options for left-back, so it is likely that Walker-Peters will play on the left hand side in Manning’s absence.
One other option he does have is 17-year-old Jayden Meghoma.
If he were to start he would be making his Championship debut. He started for Saints earlier in the season in the EFL Cup defeat to Gillingham.