Eckert hopeful Southampton duo will return for play-off first leg

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·6 May 2026

Eckert hopeful Southampton duo will return for play-off first leg

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert says he is hopeful that skipper Jack Stephens and midfielder Kuryu Matsuki will be fit to feature in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough.

Stephens has been absent since last month while Matsuki has missed the last two games, but Eckert is optimistic of their returns on Saturday

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“I’m quite positive that we will have a squad at full strength for the game that’s coming up,” he said.

Flynn Downes could also return for the clash following his suspension.

“Yeah, it definitely doesn’t hurt [to have him back],” Eckert says.

“I think Flynn, in the weeks before the suspension, had only been getting better and better game after game and obviously he’ll be as fresh as you can potentially be at this part of the season and I think he’ll play a big role for us.”