Southampton and Portsmouth will both return to action after an extended international break this weekend, with a significant derby at St. Mary’s.

The Saints received a significant boost before of Sunday’s match when it was revealed that Tonda Eckert had not been banned from football by the FA.

The German has received a suspended six-week ban and a £28,000 punishment for his involvement in last season’s spying controversy.

Eckert will be on the touchline alongside his opposite number, John Mousinho, as both sides strive for their first league victory over their opponent since their return to the Championship.

Pompey’s last league victory came in April 2005, when they won 4-1 at Fratton Park.

Here’s a list of players who will miss the upcoming match at St. Mary’s on Sunday.

Southampton against Portsmouth: Last 5 meetings (all competitions)

Date

Ground

Winner (scoreline)

25 January, 2026

Fratton Park

Draw (1-1)

14. September 2025

St. Mary’s

Draw (0-0)

24 September 2019.

Fratton Park

Southampton (4-0).

7. April 2012

St. Mary’s

Draw (2-2)

18 December 2011.

Fratton Park

Draw (1-1)

Southampton

Caspar Jander, Daniel Peretz, and Cyle Larin were all injury doubts heading into Sunday’s game, but all three were spotted training on Thursday, indicating they will be eligible for selection.

This provides Eckert with a completely available squad to pick from when Pompey visits St. Mary’s.

Portsmouth’s Benjy Arthur

Enjy Arthur joined Portsmouth on loan from Brentford this summer, but he is now expected to miss the rest of 2026 due to an injury.

The problem happened as a result of an ongoing issue, thus he will be unavailable against Southampton.

Conor Shaughnessy

Conor Shaughnessy was expected to be available for this Sunday’s match despite suffering a groin injury during the international break.

However, the key center-back was unable to recover in time and will not be part of Mousinho’s team.

Connor Ogilvie

Josh Murphy underwent groin surgery in August, and his absence from the side will continue for another few weeks at the very least, which comes as a big blow for Mousinho’s side. Arguably Pompey’s best and most talented player at full throttle, the winger once joined Cardiff City in a £11 million deal and has arguably enjoyed the best football of his career at Fratton Park, with his absence from proceedings always keenly felt.