Southampton could be without Jack Stephens for FA Cup semi-final and run-in after calf issue | OneFootball

Southampton could be without Jack Stephens for their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the promotion run-in after he suffered a calf issue in the warm-up before the 2-2 draw at Bristol City.

Sainstmarching.com notes that the Saints have already coped with setbacks, winning three on the bounce after Leo Scienza’s injury in March, then beating Blackburn 3-0 when Finn Azaz missed a home game.

Only 17 starts in the Premier League last season hinted at an exit, and at 32 it seemed his time might be up. Instead he has made 30 starts in 44 league matches this term, collecting nine clean sheets.

Stephens’ withdrawal forced Nathan Wood into the XI, his first league start since mid-January, and he looked understandably rusty. There is concern he might struggle if he faces Erling Haaland at Wembley.

Eckert offered little detail afterwards, confirming only a calf problem and a late change after warm-up issues. The timescale is up in the air, so Wood may be required again in the coming games.

He did, in mitigation, feature against Arsenal as Southampton pulled off a 2-1 quarter-final shock. With Stephens having missed 22 matches over the last two seasons through calf niggles, Eckert may need his full squad again.

Source: Sainstmarching.com