Caspar Jander is back in Southampton contention for the South Coast Derby, but the 23-year-old is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench against Portsmouth on Sunday.
That would still be a useful lift for Southampton, who have been waiting for a midfield option to return after Shea Charles left and Jander missed pre-season through injury. James Ward-Prowse and Flynn Downes are expected to keep their places, which means the derby is likely to come too soon for a full starting return.
Jander offers Southampton another midfield option
The encouraging news is simply that Jander is available again. Before Sunday, he had not featured in competitive action for Southampton because of the pre-season injury, so any return is a step forward for a squad that has needed cover in the middle of the pitch.
Jander arrives with a decent Championship track record behind him. Last season at Nurnberg, he scored two Championship goals, averaged 5.6 duels per second tier clash and posted 93% pass accuracy across more than 400 appearances in his career. Those numbers point to a player who can contribute both in and out of possession.
Why the current partnership is likely to stay in place
For now, though, Southampton do not appear ready to break up the Prowse and Downes partnership. James Ward-Prowse returned late in the summer transfer window and has held down a starting role, while Flynn Downes has also kept his place.
The derby setting adds another layer of caution. Southampton know the South Coast Derby will demand control, discipline and reliability in midfield, so it would make sense to ease Jander back rather than throw him straight in from the start.
Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz also returned from international duty with knocks, although both were pictured in training before Sunday. That is another small positive for Southampton, even if the main selection call remains whether Jander is used from the outset or introduced later.
For Southampton, the bigger picture is straightforward: a fit Jander gives them another option in a key area, but the most likely outcome is that he watches the first part of the South Coast Derby from the bench.
