“A Big Challenge” — Tonda Eckert Issues Southampton Injury Update, Norwich Task & What To Expect

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·12 December 2025

“A Big Challenge” — Tonda Eckert Issues Southampton Injury Update, Norwich Task & What To Expect

Tonda Eckert has kick-started Southampton’s campaign, accumulating 18 points from a possible 21. From the quality of football to the attitude of the players, he’s flicked a switch and ignited a sense of hope on the South Coast.

This weekend, his side faces Norwich away — a challenge his men should relish and thrive on, but the Championship doesn’t always work that way, does it?

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The 32-year-old manager underwent a press conference this morning, providing injury updates, thoughts on the Canaries and the idea of promotion contention as an objective.

Team News

After a series of brilliant performances, alongside gaining an assist against West Brom, Tom Fellows could be set to miss tomorrow’s fixture. Tonda Eckert revealed that,

“We’ll try everything to get Tom Fellows ready for tomorrow. He’s struggling with a groin injury. The medical department is on him, so we’ll try everything possible.” “He has been great the last few games. It’s never easy when you move away from your home club [West Brom] for the first time. Sometimes you need a couple of weeks. I really think that he gets the ground running, and it’s a pleasure to have him with us.”

This leans to the idea that Scotsman Ryan Fraser could receive his first start since October, where he featured in a midweek loss against Bristol City. It could be the spur of confidence he needs, given recent performances have fallen short of his known quality.

Regarding elsewhere, Eckert mentioned that “Mads [Roerslev] needs a bit longer, Elias [Jelert] needs a bit longer, Shea [Charles] as well. Ross [Stewart] is still out. Damion [Downs] had his first sessions this week.”

American Damion Downs has been on the receiving end of much criticism since his South Coast switch. Zero goal contributions with just one start illustrate the difficulties he’s having. Eckert retains full confidence in his ability, though.

“If you just look back at the beginning of the season, where sometimes you just need that one moment to make things happen consistently. But it’s good to see that he leaves everything on the pitch. I see great potential in him, he’s a great striker, a great character, and I’m sure that he will get running.”

Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Bazunu; Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Stephens; Fraser, Downes, Jander, Manning; Azaz, Scienza; Armstrong

On Norwich

Norwich sit 23rd in the Championship under Philippe Clement. It’s been a dismal start, but their last home outing was their first victory at Carrow Road, defeating QPR 3-1.

Tonda Eckert has done his homework on the Canaries and understands the challenge ahead this Saturday.

“It’s a big challenge, a big challenge for us. I think that he is very clear. Philippe Clement is very clear on his ideas, so we did go back also a little bit in time. Not just within managing Norwich, but also his former teams, and you can see some patterns that are quite familiar. So we know what to expect.” “There’s two question marks on players. I think that they used the concussion sub for Sargent. So, for me, following the rules, he should be out for Saturday, but we are prepared for both cases.”

According to the xG table, Norwich occupy 16th and are currently underperforming. 10 points less than they’ve earned, but also five fewer goals than expected. Eckert knows they’ve warranted more results, stating:

“Well, I think they’ve definitely deserved more in many games that they have played so far, so we are well-prepared for what’s coming up.” “I think that there are some situations that we can exploit spaces on, and then that’s our job then to prepare the boys to see where they do open up. But I’m expecting a very, very good team on Saturday.”

Aims & Objectives

Next week, Southampton are set to play league leaders Coventry at home. The Saints sit just one point from the playoffs and nine points from the automatic positions. With their current home form, they’ll be fired up against Frank Lampard’s side. Eckert realises they’re “playing catch-up” and are “still very far away from where we want to be.”

“We need to use the momentum that we are in at the very moment, because that’s where we need to be consistent. That’s the moment where we just need to keep going.”

What to Expect

The Saints will look to start the first half strong. Their last loss, to Millwall, involved a very passive style of play, regressing from Eckert’s improvements to the side. He’ll ensure they begin with a high intensity to turn chances into goals early on.

Norwich will look to soak in the pressure in their 4-2-3-1 structure. Their wingers will drop back, forming a compact midfield to limit chance creation from the centre. A problem could be their timing of the press. They have to ensure Taylor Harwood-Bellis is put under pressure, while limiting his passing options of Finn Azaz and Adam Armstrong in the half-spaces.

Philippe Clement’s side isn’t a possession-based side. They look to press and be aggressive. Similarly, Tonda Eckert deploys a pragmatic approach which doesn’t rely on possession for goal-scoring opportunities. His front three press the defenders, with the midfield duo of Flynn Downes and Caspar Jander man-marking the opposition’s central options.

Southampton will play shorter passes in their defensive third to bait the opposition’s press. Once they play through the press, they shift into a more direct unit with bodies flying forward from the flanks and central overloads.

Predicted Scoreline

Norwich have won just one game at home this season. The Saints, while having a weaker away record, have demonstrated they can still score goals on the road, even if they’re not playing to the high levels they’re capable of. Injuries to both sides are visible, but the quality and momentum of Eckert’s men should be too much.