Key player withdraws from open training session with new Southampton injury worry

Southampton captain Jack Stephens withdrew from open training on Monday after a collision with Nathan Wood, George Rees-Julian has said.

Southampton have stormed into the play-off spots with a stunning run of form under Tonda Eckert. The Saints sit 6th with seven games left to play, level on goal difference with Wrexham and three points behind Hull City in 5th.

They have now won nine of the last 12 Championship games, so the wind is firmly in their sails ahead of the run-in. Eckert’s squad is in a good place on the injury front too, although it remains to be seen when star man Leo Scienza can return.

Unfortunately, a new concern has emerged after the Saints’ open training session on Monday. Club captain Jack Stephens was forced to withdraw after a collision with Nathan Wood, reporter George Rees-Julian has said on X.

Of course, the extent or detail of the injury worry are not known yet. Eckert will likely deliver an update on Stephens ahead of the FA Cup clash with Arsenal if it is significant enough to warrant one.

Fingers crossed as Jack Stephens withdraws from Southampton training

32-year-old Stephens has not been without criticism this season. The Southampton captain dropped out the side under Will Still and he dropped in and out the starting XI in the early days under Eckert too.

However, the last time the skipper was left out of the Saints XI was the last time they lost. Stephens has been a mainstay in this 12-game unbeaten run, scoring once and helping keep six clean sheets, playing every minute along the way.

Stephens’ leadership makes him a key figure whether he’s playing or not, but it would be a blow to lose his presence at the heart of defence through injury. Eckert and co will have fingers crossed that he is not facing a spell on the sidelines at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Southampton signed Stephens from Plymouth Argyle since 2011 and he became captain in 2023.

Jack Stephens’ Southampton stats

Games Goals Assists

228 9 6

Southampton’s centre-back options

Stephens has been ever-present in Southampton’s rise to 6th place. Alongside him has been Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has proven himself as above Championship standard once again.

As far as depth goes, Nathan Wood and Joshua Quarshie have been offering cover and competition from the bench. Joachim Kayi Sanda remains on the books but first-team opportunities have been few and far between.

It will be hoped that Stephens’ withdrawal from open training was just a precaution. But, if he is ruled out, it will be intriguing to see how Eckert turns to as his replacement.

Wood has played more than Quarshie this season, so he could get the nod.