Southampton's head coach Tonda Eckert has announced that midfielder Caspar Jander is experiencing a setback in his recovery from a quad injury, which will postpone his return to the pitch. The 23-year-old has yet to feature this season after sustaining the injury during a pre-season match against Eastleigh, a club in the National League.
Jander's injury has been a significant concern for Southampton, as he was an important player for the team last season. After joining the Saints from German club FC Nuremberg for a fee of £10.4 million, he made 43 appearances and contributed two goals during his debut campaign in English football. His absence has been felt, especially as the team aims to improve their performance in the ongoing season.
In a recent interview with BBC Radio Solent, Eckert expressed his disappointment regarding Jander's condition, stating, "I'm afraid that Caspar had a little bit of a setback. It'll take a couple more days but we'll do everything that we can to get him back on the pitch as quick as possible." The coach had initially hoped to have Jander available for the upcoming match against Lincoln City but acknowledged that it would now take longer than expected.
Southampton is set to face Lincoln City away this Saturday at 12:30 BST, looking to secure a victory after a recent draw against Birmingham City. The Saints are eager to regain momentum in the league, and Jander's return would undoubtedly bolster their midfield options. Eckert has emphasized the importance of Jander's contributions to the team, particularly in maintaining possession and controlling the game's tempo.
Lincoln City, who won the League One title last season, have had a mixed start to their current campaign. After losing their first two matches, they have since collected four points from their last two games, showcasing a more resilient performance. Eckert noted that Lincoln has proven to be a tough opponent, particularly with their recent defensive solidity, having recorded two consecutive clean sheets.
"They’re definitely a team that knows how to defend after getting two clean sheets in a row now," Eckert remarked. He also highlighted Lincoln's ability to exploit transitional moments and their strategy of playing for territory, which often involves sending balls into the box. This tactical approach will require Southampton to remain vigilant and focused, particularly in set-piece situations.
As the season progresses, the Saints will be keen to have Jander back in action, especially as they navigate a competitive League One landscape. The coaching staff is committed to ensuring that he recovers fully before returning to the squad, with the hope that he can contribute to the team's success in the coming weeks.
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