The busy Christmas period could take it's toll on Southampton's bid to stay in touch with the leading pack in the Championship. The Saints have three away games to play and just one match at home between Boxing Day and the fourth of January.
It's obvious to fans that the team is badly in need of reinforcements. There has been a massive drop in performance after substitutions have been made in games because the squad lacks strength in depth.
The first eleven is good enough to compete with the very best that the Championship has to offer but with such a busy schedule, a club needs more than eleven or twelve players to maintain promotion form over the course of a season.
What Tonda said about potential transfer activity
Today's press conference, ahead of the trip to Oxford on Boxing Day, was the most candid of Eckert's short tenure as Head Coach.
Eckert dropped a massive hint that the club were working on bringing players in. He described the club's transfer policy as a “constant process“ and that there are “options on the table.“
The 32-year-old emphasised that the squad could do with recruiting players of certain profiles that would be “beneficial to the team.“
Any transfers in, “needs to be spot on“ he stressed and it's “not about filling gaps“ as Southampton, according to the boss, “have some excellent quality in the squad.“
Eckert's responses come amid speculation about the potential signing of the highly rated Argentine centre back Santiago Ramos Mingo from Bahia.
Where Southampton still need to strengthen is crystal clear
The Saints are in need of reinforcements to the front line and the news that Ross Stewart has returned to light training can only be good. However, Adam Armstrong cannot be expected to single-handedly provide the goals and Cameron Archer is not doing the business in a supporting role.
Damion Downs could be on his way out on loan, leaving only young Nicholas Oyekunle to compete up-front.
Speculation that Southampton are lining up a goalkeeper to replace Gavin Bazunu has abated recently due to the keeper's improved form and ability to play with the ball at his feet. But, there are many Saints fans who would prefer a larger presence between the sticks.
Southampton travel to Oxford United as favourites, something Eckert believes should be the case more often. “We are Southampton. Hopefully many more games we go into as favourites.“
Oxford sacked their manager Gary Rowett on Tuesday with the club two points adrift from Championship safety. Craig Short will take interim charge of the match against Saints.