Russell Martin reveals Kyle Walker-Peters will play in the upcoming matches

Recently, Southampton played a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town in the fifth matchday of the Premier League. While manager Russell Martin brought Taylor Harwood-Bellis at centre-back following Jack Stephens red card against Manchester United, he also made another lineup change in the defence. Martin made a surprising decision to start Charlie Taylor at the left-back position with star fullback Kyle Walker-Peters not featuring in the match. 

Martin explained his decision to play a natural left-footed fullback Charlie Taylor at the fullback position, but there was speculation that Walker-Peters had picked up an injury before the match. Further, the 27-year-old was the subject of transfer interest from Newcastle United and West Ham in the summer transfer window after entering into the final year of his Southampton contract. Thus, a large section of the Southampton fans were wondering whether the decision to not play Walker-Peters is due to his contract situation. 

Russell Martin reveals Kyle Walker-Peters will play in the upcoming matches

Now, manager Russell Martin has revealed that this isn't the case and the England international will feature for the Saints in the upcoming matches, saying, 

"Kyle is ready to play. He understands the reason. People try to bring his contract into it, that wasn't a problem with Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong.

That will never be a problem. It will be about trying to win a game and have the best players on the pitch."

- Russell Martin

Further, Martin also highlighted that there hasn't been any issues between the club and players on the contract situation despite star players such as Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong departed the St. Mary's Stadium on a free transfer at the end of the season. Hence, Southampton should offer a new long-term contract to Walker-Peters as he has been one of the most reliable players for the Saints in the recent seasons, and aim to keep him at the club for the upcoming seasons as well. 

Meanwhile, Russell Martin's side will face Bournemouth in the away fixture in the Premier League where they would aim to take a win before facing Arsenal in the next away match.