Southampton face a major mid-season setback as key player nears month-long absence.

Southampton are preparing for a significant disruption to their promotion campaign, with one of their most influential players expected to spend almost a month away from club football early next year.

Tonda Eckert has now completed a full Championship season’s worth of matches in charge of the Saints, and his record continues to impress. Saturday’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at St Mary’s was his 46th game in the dugout and delivered his 27th win.

That is an impressive return for the German coach, although the ultimate target will be promotion. Southampton remain firmly involved in the play-off race and are also keeping an eye on the automatic promotion places, meaning every fixture in the coming months will carry enormous importance.

Southampton v Queens Park Rangers – Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 | Matt Watson/GettyImages

The Saints have continued collecting victories despite Cyle Larin’s absence through injury. Kuryu Matsuki has been particularly important in recent weeks, stepping forward with a run of goals that has helped soften the impact of losing their leading Championship scorer.

Matsuki making his mark

Larin remains Southampton’s leading Championship goalscorer this season with seven goals, but Matsuki is rapidly closing the gap. The Japan international now has four league goals after finding the net three times in his last four Championship appearances.

His recent performances have made him increasingly difficult to leave out. Matsuki took an early opportunity against QPR to put Southampton ahead before his teammates eventually completed a convincing 4-1 victory.

He was also responsible for the opening goal in the dramatic 3-2 win over West Ham United and scored the only goal when Southampton defeated Norwich City. His contributions from the right side have made him an increasingly important part of Eckert’s attacking plans.

Unfortunately for Southampton, Matsuki’s excellent form comes at a time when his club will soon have to cope without him.

Asian Cup absence creates concern

Matsuki is expected to leave Southampton during the middle of the Championship campaign after receiving his first senior call-up for Japan. The winger could be selected for the Asian Cup, which is scheduled to run from January 5 until February 7.

For Matsuki, representing the Blue Samurai at a major international tournament would be a hugely proud moment. For Southampton, however, the timing could hardly be worse as they continue their push for promotion.

Depending on Japan’s progress, Matsuki could miss as many as five Southampton matches. His international commitments overlap with the FA Cup third round, while Championship fixtures against Bolton Wanderers on January 16 and QPR on January 23 are also scheduled during the tournament.

If Japan progresses deep into the competition, Matsuki could additionally miss home matches against West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End. With Japan among the Asian Cup’s most successful nations, having won the tournament four times, Southampton must prepare for the possibility that their winger will remain away until the competition reaches its conclusion.

His absence would represent a sizeable setback. Matsuki has established himself as the preferred starter on the right flank and has delivered important goals during Southampton’s recent run of form. Losing a player who is contributing directly to victories for several weeks is never ideal for a side chasing promotion.

However, Southampton have already demonstrated that they possess more attacking options than simply relying on one individual. Thirteen different players have found the net for the Saints this season, suggesting that Eckert has alternatives available when Matsuki departs.

The biggest concern will be whether Southampton can maintain their attacking momentum while one of their most productive wide players is unavailable. Eckert will have to manage the workload of his remaining options and potentially adjust his system, particularly if injuries create further problems. The Saints cannot control the international calendar, so their best response is to ensure the squad is prepared well before Matsuki boards the plane. Preparation could prove decisive in the promotion race.

Fellows could get his opportunity

One player who could benefit most from Matsuki’s international absence is Tom Fellows. The winger may finally have an extended opportunity to demonstrate that he can fill the vacancy on the right side while Matsuki represents Japan.

There is still time before the Asian Cup begins, giving Eckert and his coaching staff an opportunity to plan carefully. They will know, however, that replacing Matsuki’s recent influence will not be straightforward.

Southampton can take confidence from their strength in depth, their variety of goalscorers and their strong record under Eckert. Nevertheless, losing an in-form attacker for potentially five fixtures during such an important part of the season is a challenge the Saints would undoubtedly prefer to avoid.

Matsuki’s first Japan call-up is a reward for his excellent performances, but Southampton will be hoping their promotion ambitions remain strong enough to withstand his temporary departure.