Tonda Eckert gives real reason behind Finn Azaz's poor Derby County performance

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert downplays any serious injuries to Finn Azaz after the attacker was seen limping while coming off against Derby County.

Championship matchday 42 is over, with Southampton emerging as the ultimate winners. The Saints moved up to the 5th spot with a comeback win over Derby, while playoff rivals Wrexham dropped points once again.

Despite the positive result, the matchday was far from perfect due to an injury scare for star forward Fin Azaz. His injury substitution raised fears among fans of a costly absence, similar to fan favourite Léo Scienza’s spell on the sidelines last month.

Notably, Azaz already had a subpar game against the Rams as compared to his usual level. Losing him to injury ahead of the decisive playoffs would have been the last thing Southampton hoped for.

To the Saints’ relief, boss Tonda Eckert has downplayed any concerns of a serious injury. As quoted by the Daily Echo, Tonda expressed optimism on Azaz’s fitness: “At this part of the season you always have some minor bits. I think he’s carried a couple of minor bits over the last weeks.”

Finn Azaz had an unusual poor outing against Derby County

Azaz’s form in recent months has been key in Southampton’s blistering 17-game unbeaten streak. Although the attacker registered an assist against Derby as well, he was far off his usual level against the Rams.

Notably, Azaz had an opportunity as early as the 18th minute to put the Saints ahead. Caspar Jander bravely won the ball high up the pitch and teed him up, but Azaz failed to convert.

Although Azaz managed to trick his marker by shifting the ball onto his left foot, his shot from the centre of the box went well wide.

Soon again, Jander won the ball and launched Southampton on a counterattack. In the process, the ball was laid off to Azaz, who shot straight into the hands of Derby keeper Richard O’Donnell.

Apart from an underwhelming performance upfront, Azaz ended up indirectly contributing to Derby’s only goal of the game. It happened when Azaz had received the ball in Southampton’s half, but he misplaced the pass to Jander and conceded a corner from a no-pressure situation.

The result saw Southampton concede from the corner after they looked sloppy in marking Carlton Morris at the back post. A deflection on the corner delivery landed the ball to Morris, who made no mistake in putting Derby ahead in the 38th minute.

Eckert’s Finn Azaz update explains his poor display

Tonda Eckert’s verdict on Azaz’s fitness properly explains what affected the attacker’s level against Derby. According to the manager, it was due to minor fitness issues accumulated over the last few games.

It’s worth noting that Azaz’s importance in the Saints’ attack has seen him used exhaustively. Barring the new year game, he has been ever‑present in Eckert’s starting lineup in 2026.

While such a heavy workload explains minor blips, the fact that Azaz played nearly 90 minutes against both Wrexham and Arsenal cannot be overlooked. He was fouled three times in the 5‑1 win over Wrexham, coming off the back of a full shift in a pressure game against Arsenal.

If that wasn’t enough, Azaz also represented Ireland during the March international break. While most of his teammates used the two‑week gap as a breather, Azaz played 120 minutes in the World Cup qualifier against Czechia, followed by an hour against North Macedonia.

That takes his total to ten games played between March and mid‑April alone. The figure sounds even more startling when one considers Azaz started four games within the first ten days of this month.

Given all that, it’s understandable for Azaz to suffer a drop off in performance in between. Despite his underwhelming display against Derby, the attacker is expected to be close to his best level again soon.

That said, Azaz’s latest fitness blip puts his participation against Blackburn in jeopardy. While Eckert has fended off any serious concerns, the manager may opt to start him from the bench in the upcoming game.