Southampton boss Eckert hopeful duo will be back for play-offs | OneFootball

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert says he is hopeful that Kuryu Matsuki and Jack Stephens will be fit for his side’s play-off campaign.

The Saints’ place in the Championship play-offs was confirmed with a 2-2 draw against Ipswich on Tuesday, ruling them out of the race for automatic promotion.

“We have clarity now and I think that’s sometimes a good thing,” Eckert reflected. “Obviously, if you had asked me if I preferred to win, I’d take the three points.

“But it is what it is. We have clarity now, we know what’s coming up so we make sure we finish strong on Saturday. We’ll do everything to win the game, then it’s on to the play-offs.”

Matsuki missed the game with a “minor” calf injury, Eckert said, while Stephens is still recovering from his own calf problem.

“We found out very late yesterday. We need to assess over the next days. A minor issue with the calf. I expect them back very soon,” Eckert said on Matsuki.

“I don’t know how soon, but it shouldn’t be anything major.”

On Stephens, he added: “Same thing. Also calf, also there. We need to assess over the next few days, and then we will see how we are looking for Saturday.”