As an extended three-week international break finally edges towards an end, Southampton can really turn their immediate attention to the South Coast derby.
Fierce rivals Portsmouth visit St Mary’s on Sunday 11th October in a midday clash, for a game that is almost certainly going to be an improvement on last year’s 0-0 outing.
As it stands, revolutionary head coach Tonda Eckert looks set to manage his team into the game, despite an FA hearing over his conduct taking place over a week ago. The lack of any verdict is deafening.
Eckert has only ever managed this feisty encounter once - leading Saints to Fratton Park last season, where they could only draw 1-1 despite a Leo Scienza solo effort to take the lead.
Southampton will need all the reinforcement they can get if they are to beat their rivals on Sunday. Three question marks surrounding vital players must be dealt with to ensure they get that.
Cyle Larin
Championship top-scorer Cyle Larin hurt his back in the gym for Canada during the international break, missing their Saturday game against Peru.
Jesse Marsch’s team still has one match to play before returning to club football, against the USA on Wednesday night, although Larin has already returned to Southampton.
It leaves doubt over whether the 31-year-old will be able to start for the Saints in their important Portsmouth encounter.
The prospect of having to hand the inexperienced Divin Mubama his first league start for the club in a game so important is something Eckert will hope doesn’t become reality. Everybody at Southampton will be willing to help Larin get back to full fitness, and fast.
Caspar Jander
German midfielder Caspar Jander was tipped to leave Southampton in the summer after they missed out on promotion from the Championship.
It’s unclear whether the 23-year-old stayed due to his early pre-season injury or because there were no viable suitors, but the midfielder remaining was a huge boost for the club.
Jander is yet to feature for them competitively this season after picking up a muscle injury at Eastleigh in July, but is back in training for the club. The derby may be his first chance to make a matchday squad this season.
Daniel Peretz
Saints goalkeeper Daniel Peretz was forced to pull out of Israel’s squad midway through the international break after picking up a small groin issue.
With Aaron Ramsdale an option to come in, Peretz missing out wouldn’t be the end of the world like it may have been last season, but Tonda Eckert will be hoping to have his first-choice eleven available.
There’s a world where all three of Larin, Jander and Peretz play their parts in the South Coast derby, but likely another where none do.
For now, it’s touch-and-go. Heading into one of their biggest weeks of the season, the Saints have a big job on their hands to grab a first home win over their enemies since 2005.
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