Key Southampton Stars Unavailable for FA Cup Semi-Final Against Manchester City
Southampton will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final without several key players who have been ruled out of the high-profile encounter at Wembley Stadium.
The Saints have reached the semi-final stage of the FA Cup, setting up a meeting with Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 16:15 GMT. However, team selection will be complicated by the absence of multiple important squad members.
Key Absences
Flynn Downes (Midfielder) – SUSPENDED The midfield anchor has been ruled out through suspension following a three-match FA ban for violent conduct during the Swansea City Championship match on April 18. Head coach Tonda Eckert defended the midfielder’s actions, stating “there were no bad intentions,” but the suspension means Downes will miss the crucial semi-final tie. His absence forces tactical reorganization in midfield, with alternatives like Cam Bragg expected to deputize.
Mads Roerslev (Defender) – INJURED The full-back has been sidelined since November 2025 with a knee injury and remains a long-term absentee with no confirmed return date. His extended absence has tested Southampton’s defensive depth throughout this campaign stretch.
Alex McCarthy (Goalkeeper) – INJURED The experienced goalkeeper has been out since February 2026 with a wrist injury and remains unavailable, requiring Southampton to rely on their backup keeper for this high-profile fixture.
Welington (Left-back) – IMPROVING The Brazilian left-back is noted as “getting back to fitness” but may not be at full availability for the semi-final.
Manager’s Response
Eckert has adopted a pragmatic approach to the squad challenges, emphasizing the team’s “character” and capacity to adapt. He has employed a “less is more” philosophy in managing player fitness during this crucial campaign stretch, prioritizing key players for major fixtures.
The unavailability of these key stars will force significant tactical adjustments for Southampton’s biggest fixture in recent years. Downes’ suspension in particular creates an immediate midfield problem that Eckert will need to solve creatively against Manchester City’s relentless pressing game.
The semi-final represents Southampton’s best opportunity in years to reach an FA Cup final and secure European qualification, making these absences particularly frustrating for a club targeting silverware. Despite the personnel challenges, Southampton will be expected to give City a competitive examination at Wembley.