Bazunu and Welington to play for under-21s this evening
GOALKEEPER Gavin Bazunu and new arrival Welington will feature for the under-21s this evening against Fulham at Snows Stadium.
Irish goalkeeper Bazunu has not played since rupturing his Achilleas tendon ahead of a Championship game against Preston in April.
The 22 year old is not currently registered for league fixtures due to the size of Southampton's Premier League squad.
Brazilian full-back Welington will make his first appearance in the red and white of Saints having arrived at the club earlier this month.
The 23 year old penned a pre-contract agreement to join from Sao Paulo in the summer but has not played since October due to an injury.
🇧🇷 Southampton have formally announced the arrival Welington, 23. The Brazilian left-back will wear number 34.
Expect him to initially play for the U21s to gain fitness before being a part of Ivan Juric's squad.#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/qQ8W0NwlKS— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) January 3, 2025
He worked tirelessly to get fit ahead of his move to England, admitting in his first interview: "In Brazil, the season ends at the end of the year.
"I was able to prepare well to come here physically ready to compete in the Premier League straight away. I have been working hard to make sure I arrived in top shape.
“I'm very happy to be here, representing this club. I'm really happy to be here playing in the Premier League. Being here I want to give my all."
The under-21s welcome Premier League 2 second-place side Fulham to Snows Stadium this evening.
Assistant boss Matt Etherington will take charge of the game with Simon Rusk still supporting Ivan Juric with the first team.