JAMES Ward-Prowse could start at right-back against Brentford on Tuesday.
Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is in a precarious situation, with two of his available right-backs, Yan Valery and Kyle Walker-Peters, suspended for the game, whilst starlet Tino Livramento is ruled out with a meniscus injury.
Midfielder Ward-Prowse dropped back to defend the right-flank after Valery’s dismissal, and Hasenhuttl hinted he might have to make another sacrifice in the game with the Bees.
Hasenhuttl stated: “Let’s ask my captain what he says to me.
“It’s important for me to know that he can play this position, he has played it very often since I have been here.
“He doesn’t like it, but in some moments you have to do things.
“(Against Swansea) he was playing in a position he didn’t want to be.
“Okay, but this is football and Elyounoussi was left-back and Romeu was centre-back, what can you do?
“You have to be flexible at this time of the year, and that’s what we are.”
Back in 2020 Ward-Prowse kept England teammate Jack Grealish quiet after being deployed as an emergency right-back, hinting at a proficiency of playing the position.
To make matters even worse, B team captain Oludare Olufunwa is also currently out with injury, with the 20-year-old training with the first-team during pre-season.
Apart from appearances in the EFL Trophy, Olufunwa has not played senior football, with the full-back not being loaned at any point in his career.
Teenager Lewis Payne has featured at right-back for the B-team in Olufunwa’s absence, but it is likely he is still considered too young for senior football.
Jan Bednarek has also operated at right-back under Hasenhuttl, meaning despite having no recognised senior right-backs, the Austrian does have options.
Another likelihood is that Saints will eschew playing a right-back at all – by switching to three at the back, as they did for the draw with Tottenham in December.
Whilst Walker-Peters’ suspension must be served in the Premier League, Mohammed Salisu’s ban was served over the FA Cup weekend, meaning he is now available for selection.
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