Southampton boss on winger’s absence and goalkeeper’s future after draw with Birmingham

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has said he will address Samuel Edozie’s statement later this week after leaving the winger out of his squad for Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham.

The winger released a statement revealing that he had handed in a transfer request at the club but a move has yet to materialise, with the English transfer window already closed.

“To be fair, I need to take some time to read everything, because I’ve just been informed, and then I’ll be able to say something on Friday morning,” Eckert said.

Edozie’s omission came amid uncertainty surrounding the final days of the transfer window, with Eckert insisting his decision was specific to Tuesday’s fixture.

“It wasn’t really clear how the last days of the window will go,” he said.

“Then I think this game today is just very particular. To have a game at eight o’clock on a Tuesday evening, if this is the last day of the transfer window, it’s not the easiest for every single player.

“It’s just been a decision for today. But I’ll have a look into what happened, and I can say something more on Friday morning.”

Eckert was also asked about Aaron Ramsdale’s future at the club after the English transfer window closed with the goalkeeper still at St Mary’s.

However, the Southampton boss reiterated that Daniel Long remains his first-choice goalkeeper following discussions held over recent weeks.

“We’ve had some long conversations over the last weeks, and for me it’s important because I’ve made a clear commitment to Daniel (Peretz) as a number one,” Eckert said.

“That commitment stands.”

Asked whether his commitment to George Long as the club’s number two also remained in place, Eckert replied: “Yes.”