Injury boost for Oxford United’s next opponents Southampton

Saints boss Tonda Eckert is expecting ‘at least one’ of Leo Scienza and Ross Stewart to return to action to be available to face the U’s.

Both players have missed the last two fixtures, Scienza out with a groin tweak and Stewart missing with muscle tightness.

Eckert was positive one of the Saints duo will return to face the Yellows this weekend.

“The questions are going to be for two players and they’ve both been on the pitch today,” the German head coach said.

“I’m quite positive that at least one of them is going to be available.”

Southampton’s Ross Stewart celebrates scoring their side’s second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

Brazilian playmaker Scienza has often been a point of inspiration for the Hampshire side with six goals and assists this season.

Striker Stewart has five goals amidst an injury-hit campaign thus far.

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Eckert’s men are unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions and are pushing for a play-off spot.

Meanwhile, Oxford have won three of their last four and beat Saints in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, winning 2-1 under caretaker boss Craig Short.

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert during the Sky Bet Championship match at Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire)

“We know that they are coming in good form,” Eckert declared.

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“We know what to expect. They do have some moments where they can hurt you if you’re not awake, so it will be a challenging game for us.

“I think that we are very well prepared, we know what to expect. It might be that we get the chance to get the game on our side.

“It might be that we need to be very patient. We are prepared for all scenarios, but it’s going to be a big challenge.”