Tonda Eckert outlines the plan for Saints’ returnee Yuki Sugawara.

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has suggested that defender Yukinari Sugawara could make his return to action when the Saints face Preussen Münster in a pair of pre-season friendlies. After spending the summer representing Japan at the World Cup, the right-back has rejoined the squad and is now working his way back toward full match fitness ahead of the new campaign.

Sugawara only recently returned to Southampton after receiving additional time off following his international commitments. Like many players involved in major tournaments, the Japanese defender was allowed an extended break before reporting back for club duty. His arrival has provided another boost for Eckert as preparations continue for what the club hopes will be a successful season.

The Southampton boss has spoken positively about Sugawara’s condition since his return, indicating that the defender has settled back into training quickly. Although the coaching staff will continue to monitor his workload carefully, Eckert did not rule out handing him valuable minutes against German side Preussen Münster.

According to the manager, Sugawara has come back in good spirits after an impressive year for both club and country. Eckert highlighted not only the defender’s footballing qualities but also the personality he brings to the dressing room, describing him as someone who lifts the atmosphere around the training ground.

That positive attitude could prove valuable as Southampton continue to build momentum during pre-season. Integrating returning international players into the squad is always an important part of summer preparations, and Sugawara’s experience at the World Cup gives the Saints another player who has competed on one of football’s biggest stages.

Eckert emphasized that the coaching staff will make a final decision closer to kick-off, but the signs from training have been encouraging. The defender is eager to get back onto the pitch and resume competitive action after his international break, making a brief appearance in the friendly a realistic possibility.

Even if Sugawara only features for a short period, those minutes would represent an important step toward reaching peak condition before the season officially begins. Pre-season fixtures are designed to gradually increase players’ workloads, allowing them to regain rhythm without exposing them to unnecessary risk.

Sugawara’s journey over the past year has been eventful. Last season he spent the campaign on loan with Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, where he gained valuable experience in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. Regular first-team football helped him continue his development, and consistent performances strengthened his reputation before returning to Southampton.

The 26-year-old made 31 appearances during his spell in Germany, demonstrating reliability and versatility throughout the season. Playing week after week in the Bundesliga provided him with valuable experience against high-quality opposition, something Southampton will hope benefits the squad moving forward.

Before his loan move, Sugawara had already begun establishing himself at St Mary’s after arriving from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. Since joining Southampton, he has made 35 appearances in all competitions and has shown the technical ability and attacking instincts that first attracted the club to sign him.

Now back with the Saints, the defender faces a fresh challenge as he competes for a regular starting position. Southampton’s options at right-back have increased, creating healthy competition within the squad. James Bree remains an experienced option, while Mads Roerslev also provides quality and depth in the position.

Rather than viewing the competition as a problem, Eckert is likely to see it as a positive. Strong competition for places often pushes players to maintain high standards in training while giving the coaching staff greater tactical flexibility throughout the season.

The upcoming fixtures against Preussen Münster will offer another opportunity for players across the squad to impress. Southampton have arranged two matches on the same day, allowing the coaching staff to distribute playing time among a larger group of players as they continue building fitness.

The first encounter will take place behind closed doors and will last 70 minutes, giving coaches an opportunity to work on tactical ideas away from public attention. Later in the day, supporters will have the chance to watch the second fixture, which will be played under standard match conditions with a scheduled 2 p.m. BST kick-off.

Using two matches in one day is a common strategy during pre-season, particularly when managers want nearly every available player to receive meaningful minutes. It also helps players steadily increase their physical conditioning without overloading individuals returning from summer tournaments or injury layoffs.

For Sugawara, simply being back with the squad marks another important milestone after a demanding year that included club football in Germany and international duty with Japan. His return adds further depth to Southampton’s defensive options while giving Eckert another experienced player to call upon as competitive fixtures approach.

Whether he features briefly or plays a more significant role against Preussen Münster, the defender’s reintroduction will be closely watched by supporters eager to see how he fits into Southampton’s plans for the months ahead. If his progress in training continues at its current pace, Sugawara could soon be pushing strongly for regular involvement as the Saints prepare to begin another important campaign.