Fans young and old were in attendance as Tonda Eckert’s side returned to the pitch before their home meeting with the Premier League leaders.
Finn Azaz, Shea Charles, Ryan Manning, Joshua Quarshie and Cyle Larin were not in attendance, owing to their current international commitments.
However, Daniel Peretz is already back from international duty, while Cam Bragg was also involved, having dropped out of Scotland’s under-21s squad.
The most notable absence was Leo Scienza. The Brazilian ace has missed the last three games but was expected to be fit in time to face Arsenal this weekend.
Here at Southampton’s opening training session. Daniel Peretz is already back from international duties. Jay Robinson and Welington are on the pitch too. No sign of Leo Scienza just yet. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/Oy9o9D3ciZ
— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) March 30, 2026
Scienza suffered a groin injury in Southampton’s 1-1 draw with West Brom three weeks ago and is due to return to full training at Staplewood this week.
The players who were not called up for the international break recieved additional days of last week, and Monday was designed to reintroduce them to training.
The session took up the entire pitch at St Mary’s and began just after 11am with a passing drill, directed by Jeremy Newton and Ben Garner, as Eckert watched on.
Having started in two separate groups, the entire squad joined in with a rondo drill, with the eventual aim of scoring in a small, guarded goal.
Passing drills to start things off here at St Mary’s. Nick Oyekunle involved, having been included in recent first-team squads. Cam Bragg is also here after dropping out of the Scotland U21 squad. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/QJwdQIfUSd
— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) March 30, 2026
After training, winger Sam Edozie told fans: “It was nice to have an atmosphere here for training. I scored a couple of training goals, which is always nice.
“We have a big game on the weekend and a big game on Tuesday [against Wrexham] as well. He [Eckert] believes in all of us, and he’s a great guy as well.”
It was during that final rondo drill that Jack Stephens suffered a knock when he collided with fellow defender Nathan Wood.
The skipper hobbled from the pitch after a word with Wood and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, having been assessed moments before training concluded.
Boss Eckert said: “It’s been a lovely morning for us after a couple of days off. It’s nice to be back in, but it’s important to remember that this is the first day.
“The first day back after a couple of days off is usually for the boys to enjoy being out on the grass again. They were getting a touch for the ball.
“It’s so nice for the supporters to be here with us this morning. We have a connection to the community – people have come out today. That’s a big thing for us.”
George Long and Jamie Jones joined Peretz in goalkeeper training. Alex McCarthy was not present as he continues to recover from wrist surgery.
Keeper training with Ryan Flood continued beyond the outfield session by a few minutes before they joined teammates meeting fans.
Players are still here to sign shirts, balls, notepads, phone cases and just about anything else. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/IoW3qelReY
— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) March 30, 2026
The signing session felt longer than the training itself. Fans got more than they expected, as every player except Stephens made their way down Kingsland.
Fellows was the last to leave the pitchside area, staying to sign autographs until 12:56, having left the dressing room at 11:05.
Most fans asked for their shirts, footballs and notepads to be signed, but some requested rogue items like phone cases and a box of Tic Tacs.
“It was really nice to train in front of the fans. It’s good to do things like this every now and again to connect with the supporters,” said Cam Bragg.
“For those who came down, it’s really nice for them to get a glimpse into what we do. This was a completely different environment from a game day.”