Eckert gives update on Southampton star’s injury and reflects on draw with Bristol City | OneFootball

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert explained that captain Jack Stephens withdrew from the starting line-up for the draw with Bristol City because of a calf issue.

Providing an update on the defender’s injury ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Saturday, Eckert said: “I just heard before the game that he struggled a little bit his calf towards the end of the warm-up, so we made a late change.”

The Saints drew 2-2 at St Mary’s in a blow to their automatic promotion hopes.

“I think it wasn’t the best game we’ve played all season, but I think with the amount of games in April it’s tough to always be at the peak of your performance,” Eckert said.

“There was one situation after 60 seconds where the ball gets played over the top and we don’t really defend that well, so we didn’t have the best start to the game, but it just shows the character that we are always able to come back.

“I think in the second half there were still two big moments that we had to win the game, but just like every other game we need to put this one to bed and on to the next one.

“We always play to win and that was exactly the same today. Taking one point today in a home game needs to be, with the ambitions that we have, a little disappointment for the day, but we put the game to bed and we keep going.”