Eckert offers update on Downes and Scienza after early changes | OneFootball

Saints head coach Tonda Eckert is confident Flynn Downes will be ready to face Wrexham next week despite the knock that forced him off in the 4-1 win over Bristol City.

According to Daily Echo, the 27-year-old was withdrawn at half-time after taking a knock in the opening minute, with youngster Cam Bragg replacing him.

Downes captained Saints with Jack Stephens on the bench, the armband then switching to Ryan Manning and later James Ward-Prowse.

Eckert said the midfielder tried to push through but was not quite right, which affected their usual strength on second balls. He accepted adjustments came late before the interval, and that half-time was used to regain control and play a different game.

Eckert also reported no issue with Brazilian winger Leo Scienza, who went straight down the tunnel after his 69th-minute substitution.

Scienza appeared frustrated, but the head coach described it as a normal reaction, noting he had played many minutes and had just been involved in a goal when the pitch finally opened up.

Saints visit struggling Wrexham on Saturday, 19 September, their final outing before the autumn international break.

Source: Daily Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”