Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has provided an update on his side’s team news, as the future of crucial defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis remains uncertain.
On Tuesday night, the Saints will host West Ham in the Carabao Cup second round at St Mary’s.
The two teams are among the favourites for promotion in the Championship this season, although both are in the bottom half after two games. West Ham is yet to gain three points, and Southampton is still attempting to reverse their four-point deduction from the start of the season.
“I honestly don’t know yet,” Eckert said when asked if the cup tie will provide an opportunity to rotate his players. “I honestly don’t know yet.
“It was Finn Azaz’s first 90, and Woody’s first 90 in a few weeks. Cyle (Larin) has been racking up minutes. Tom (Fellows) and Kuryu (Matsuki) both spent a significant amount of time on the pitch. Flynn Downes is incredibly important to us right now.
“So let’s see. That does not imply they do not receive minutes. I’m not sure if they’ll all start, but we’ll see.
The German coach went on to say, “We play to win every game.” At the same time, it always considers the players’ fitness levels.
“However, the aim is obvious. “We play to win on Tuesday, regardless of the competition.”
The Saints overcame Stoke City 3-1 over the weekend. However, the win came despite the unavailability of crucial defender Harwood-Bellis. The England international was left out of the team due to doubts over his future. Aston Villa are interested in the 24-year-old after Ezri Konsa left for Arsenal.
When asked when he anticipates an update on transfer news, Eckert responded, “The last 10 days is when things start to move. So, let’s see.
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