Portsmouth blow as Southampton handed triple injury boost ahead of south-coast derby

Southampton have been handed a triple injury boost ahead of Sunday’s south-coast derby against Pompey.

The first meeting of the season between the two bitter rivals is anticipated to be a feisty occasion, with head coach Tonda Eckert given the green light by the FA to lead his side out at St Mary’s.

The German was, of course, given a suspended suspension by English football’s governing body earlier this week following a hearing for his involvement in the Spygate scandal last season.

With the Southampton boss set to take charge this weekend, the head coach will also be joined by three key players in his ranks following injury scares during the international break.

Star striker Cyle Larin sustained a minor back issue in the weights room while on duty for Canada and subsequently missed their friendlies against Peru and the United States earlier this week.

The frontman, who made the £3m switch to St Mary’s in the summer, has been in red-hot form this term, which has seen him net eight goals in 10 outings.

Southampton injury news ahead of Pompey showdown

Although there were initial fears over the severity of his injury setback, Eckert has revealed the Championship’s leading score will be fit to face Pompey on Sunday.

Speak to the Daily Echo, the Southampton head coach said: ‘(Larin) looks sharp and ready to go. He's not even been at this football club for a year but everyone can see the impact he's had.

‘We're so grateful to have him and I think he gets all the appreciation he deserves here.’

Goalkeeper Daniel Peretz also sustained injury while on international duty during the three-week break and was forced to withdraw from the Israel squad.

The keeper returned to the south-coast during the stoppage to receive treatment on a groin issue, which was expected to keep him sidelined for 10 days.

The shot stopper has been an ever-present at St Mary’s since his £6m capture from Bayern Munich in the summer, but is yet to keep a clean sheet in his eight Championship outings so far.

However, Eckert has confirmed Peretz has recovered from the minor set-back and is expected to retain his place between the sticks against Pompey.

‘(Peretz) is fine and also trained. He'll be playing on Sunday.’

Southampton will also be boosted by the return of midfielder Caspar Jander, who has missed the opening eight matches of the campaign.

The 23-year-old is yet to feature for Southampton due to a hamstring issue, which was sustained in pre-season.

Jander returned to training before the international break and is expected to complete his comeback this weekend, according to Eckert.

‘(His) levels are good.He had a long match prep and he's looked very good.’

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Pompey injury latest

Pompey, meanwhile, will make calls on Marko Milovanovic and Conor Shaughnessy’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s trip to St Mary’s.

Marezi missed the final two games before the international break due to a calf issue, while Shaughnessy was forced off against Blackburn Rovers with a groin problem.

John Mousinho admitted the duo will be assessed this weekend before a decision is made on their potential involvement in the fiercely-anticipated derby.

Keshi Anderson returned to training before the international break, although the Blues boss stressed the winger will not be rushed back.

Connor Ogilvie, Josh Murphy, Benjy Arthur, Mark Kosznovszky, Thomas Waddingham, Luke Brooke-Smith and Franco Umeh are all set to sit out due to injury.

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