MANAGER Ivan Juric admitted "it is time" for winter arrival Welington to make his awaited Southampton debut.
The Brazilian full-back arrived from Sao Paulo earlier this month but is yet to play for Saints due to a lack of fitness.
Welington ended the Brazilian campaign with an injury and Juric told the Daily Echo last week that he was not yet "physically ready" to play.
The 23 year old was in attendance at St Mary's on Saturday to watch Southampton's 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United.
Ryan Manning started that game before Kyle Walker-Peters was moved across to the left after an hour of football.
Welington has played for the under-21s in a 5-0 win over Fulham, a game which Juric observed alongside his coaching staff.
Hello Welington đź‘‹#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/4zNrMqXQSH
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) January 10, 2025
He linked up with the first team at St George's Park ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest last week having originally been slated to play for the under-21s.
Asked for the latest on the transfer window, Juric said:Â "I expect some more things (to happen). We will see.
"I think Albert Grønbæk will do really well. Technically he is really good. I think it’s also time to put Welington on the pitch.”
Welington made 164 appearances for Sao Paulo and is a Copa do Brasil (2023)Â and Supercopa do Brasil (2024) champion.
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