Southampton training absentee could unsettle Tonda Eckert | OneFootball

Southampton opened up training at St Mary’s on Tuesday, but the notable absentee, Caspar Jander, left Tonda Eckert with a selection worry before Watford.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Divin Mubama was unveiled as the fifth summer signing just before the session, the Manchester City loanee joining drills on his new pitch. Supporters also saw several potential starters sharpen up for Sunday.

Eckert may look to start Cyle Larin at Vicarage Road after the Ben Brereton Diaz experiment in the EFL Cup at Colchester did not come off. Larin scored within 10 minutes of coming on yet still looked a little rusty after World Cup duty with Jesse Marsch’s side. He trained on Tuesday, so a start could follow.

Mubama will want a debut goal after hitting three in pre-season for City. Fans are also hoping Finn Azaz returns to the XI after his neat assist at the JobServe Community Stadium, with Eckert later saying the midfielder’s body is now ready to start. The ex-Middlesbrough playmaker took part in the open session.

Not every senior player featured. Jander was not seen as he works back from injury, while Sam Edozie warmed up despite links away and recent fitness issues. If Jander misses out, repeating Kuryu Matsuki in a deeper brief, tried at Colchester, would be an awkward call.

Jander’s absence suggests he could be unavailable at Watford, which could hand Cameron Bragg a chance. With Shea Charles gone, Eckert and supporters will hope this is not long term. If it is, a midfield addition could be explored, though Jordan James looks set to join Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Jander has admirers in the Bundesliga. Ideally it is precautionary, and this Saints team should still be too strong for Watford.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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