Southampton Weighs Jander Return as Portsmouth Assesses Derby Fitness

Southampton and Portsmouth face contrasting selection decisions ahead of their South Coast Derby on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with Southampton considering how to manage Caspar Jander's return from a long-term injury while Portsmouth monitors three players under John Mousinho. Both clubs are assessing their available options before the Championship meeting.

According to Livescore.com, Southampton could have Jander available again after the 23-year-old midfielder missed competitive action throughout the club's current campaign. However, his return does not guarantee an immediate place in Tonda Eckert's starting lineup, given the performances of James Ward-Prowse and Flynn Downes.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, is monitoring winger Keshi Anderson, striker Marko Milovanovic and defender Conor Shaughnessy. Sports Yahoo reported on October 10 that Mousinho was still assessing the trio's fitness before the derby.

Anderson has yet to feature this season after suffering a muscle tear during preseason. The winger returned to training last month and is approaching full fitness, according to Sports Yahoo.

Milovanovic has missed Portsmouth's last two matches because of a calf injury, while Shaughnessy sustained a groin problem in the team's final game before the international break.

Mousinho provided an update on the two players recovering from their respective injuries, indicating that their rehabilitation was progressing.

"Shocks (Shaughnessy) and Marko are okay, they've been doing their rehab," said John Mousinho, Portsmouth manager.

Their availability remains an important consideration as Portsmouth prepares for a derby against its south coast rival. Anderson's progress also offers a potential boost, although he has not played a competitive match this season.

For Southampton, Jander's return would provide another option in central midfield after a difficult period for the position's depth. The German joined from Nurnberg and scored two Championship goals last season while averaging 5.6 duels won per second-tier appearance.

His preseason injury prevented him from making a competitive appearance for Southampton this campaign. Although his recovery gives Eckert another midfield option, the manager must weigh Jander's fitness against the established partnership between Ward-Prowse and Downes.

Ward-Prowse returned to his boyhood club late in the summer transfer window after Shea Charles departed. According to Livescore.com, the experienced midfielder has recorded 93% passing accuracy since returning to Championship football and scored in Southampton's most recent match against Wrexham.

Ward-Prowse also brings extensive experience of the club's rivalry with Portsmouth, having made more than 400 appearances for Southampton across two spells. His recent form strengthens his case to retain a starting role for the lunchtime kickoff.

Downes has also contributed defensively and offensively. Livescore.com reported that the 27-year-old won 10 duels across Southampton's recent home victories over Swansea City and Bristol City and has recorded two assists in Championship action.

Those performances give Eckert reasons to preserve the midfield partnership rather than immediately restore Jander to the starting lineup. A place among the substitutes could allow the returning midfielder to contribute if required, while Southampton retains its established options from the opening whistle.

With both teams managing fitness concerns and selection decisions, Southampton and Portsmouth will enter Sunday's South Coast Derby with their final lineups dependent on the condition and readiness of their available players.