Southampton star set for return to squad but Eckert reveals midfielder blow

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has insisted Samuel Edozie remains “fully committed” to the club despite the winger submitting a transfer request before the summer window closed.

Edozie will be included in Southampton’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Championship trip to Lincoln City, with Eckert adamant the 23-year-old remains focused on helping the Saints achieve their goals this season.

“He has a full commitment towards the football club,” Eckert said.

“[He has] full commitment towards the goals that we have.

“Sammy has been very honest, and our relationship is very good. He has been very honest from the first day of pre-season that he wants more minutes.

“That’s always been a part of the conversation.

“At the same time, it was always clear that he has a full commitment to helping us reach our goals.

“That commitment stands. I trust him 100 per cent, and I think he’s always shown on the pitch how much he’s able to give to us and to the team.

“He will be a part of the matchday squad tomorrow.”

Eckert admitted there had been considerable noise surrounding Edozie during the final days of the transfer window, but believes the important thing is that the winger remains committed to the group.

“I could make the story a lot bigger,” the German added.

“Obviously he’s 23 years old; there’s a lot of noise towards the last days of the window.

“I don’t know if that is for me to judge. I wouldn’t have recommended putting a statement out, but it is what it is.

“What is important for me is that he’s fully committed to the group and fully committed to us, and we’ve had that conversation yesterday.

“I have no doubt that he will play an important role for us as a team.”

Meanwhile, deadline-day signing Zach Abbott will be available for Southampton’s trip to Lincoln.

The defender joined on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night and will travel with Eckert’s squad for the Championship clash.

“He’s going to be travelling with us,” Eckert said.

“The impression [he made] on pitch was good yesterday, he’s in good shape and then we’ll see how we’re going to integrate him over the next few weeks.

“[He’s made] a very good impression. [Born in] 2006 but looks like a proper man.

“He trained the day before on his own and yesterday [in the] first-team session and the impression was very good.”

Southampton will, however, be without Caspar Jander, who has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from the injury that has kept him out since the beginning of pre-season.

“Caspar has had a little setback,” Eckert said.

“It’s going to take a couple more days and we’re doing everything to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.

“Always hoping to have him around for the upcoming game or the game after, but now it might be a little bit after, but we’re still pushing.”