'Available' - Tonda Eckert rings brilliant Southampton news for Oxford United

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert confirms the return of star duo, Léo Scienza & Ross Stewart, in the training session ahead of the Oxford United matchday.

After statement wins over Coventry and Norwich, hosting Oxford United might feel like a breather for Southampton. But this is precisely the kind of game that could prove to be costly for the Saints if not put to bed early.

Despite lying in the relegation zone, Oxford United possess the ability to frustrate Southampton, much like West Brom did last week. The U’s arrive for matchday 39 in impressive form, having won three and drawn one of their last five games.

That’s not forgetting Oxford United’s major upsets in this Championship campaign. Apart from their recent heroics, the side has beaten promotion hopefuls Ipswich and held title‑contenders Middlesbrough to a draw.

Factor in Southampton’s vulnerability against bottom‑table sides, and the game against Oxford becomes further challenging. But to Saints fans’ relief, the club has received a double injury boost ahead of the awaited game against the U’s.

Léo Scienza & Ross Stewart can return after a week of absence

Even Southampton fans would admit that the recent wins over Coventry and Norwich came without the usual attacking swagger of Tonda Eckert’s side. While they got the job done, it took a heroic effort from goalkeeper Daniel Peretz to secure those results.

Much of that attacking bluntness can be attributed to Léo Scienza’s absence. Apart from contributing goals, the fan-favourite winger has been Southampton’s attacking glue all season.

Given that Scienza had to be forced off against West Brom after an injury scare last week, he has been terribly missed in the recent two games. But Scienza wasn’t the only Saint to be subbed off against the Hawthorns due to fitness concerns.

The other player was Saints forward Ross Stewart. Having suffered muscle tightness, Stewart had to be replaced by Cyle Larin at halftime.

After a week on the sidelines, the Southampton duo are nearing match fitness. Both Léo Scienza and Ross Stewart were spotted back in training ahead of the Oxford game.

As quoted by Saints Extra, manager Tonda Eckert confirmed their progress: “They have both been on the pitch today. I’m quite positive that at least one will be available tomorrow.”

Reading between the lines, it’s clear both are free of any long‑term injury concerns and will return soon. But the fact that only one, at best, will be available for the Oxford game will frustrate Saints fans.

Who out of Stewart & Scienza could help Southampton the most?

The 2025/26 campaign has been a fresh beginning for both Stewart and Scienza in their Saints chapters. Though it’s the third season for the former at St. Mary’s, only now have fans started noticing the returns on their initial £10m investment in Stewart.

With 8 G/A in 18 appearances, Stewart has been a real threat for Southampton under Tonda Eckert. On the other hand, Scienza has earned a reputation as a fan favourite for all he does for Southampton on the pitch.

Needless to say, choosing which of the two to have available for Oxford is a difficult decision. But if fans were to decide, they would likely want Scienza back for the crucial clash more than Ross Stewart.

The reason is pretty simple. While Scienza’s chance creation is harder to replace, Stewart’s absence can be more easily covered.

Recently, loan signing Cyle Larin has been winning over the confidence of Saints fans with his attacking output. After scoring a clutch equaliser against West Bromwich, he provided the assist on Fin Azaz’s winner against Norwich.

Factor in his recent Canada call-up, and Larin is hitting his prime form as the decisive stretch of the season approaches. With Scienza feeding him chances from the wing, Larin could provide Southampton the early breakthrough they need to put the Oxford game to bed early.

All signs point to Scienza, Larin, and Matsuki being the front three Saints fans want to see against Oxford. Whether that dream lineup materialises remains to be seen as Southampton close out their final game before a two‑week break.