Saints' Jander a doubt for Watford opener

Caspar Jander played 43 games for Saints last season after joining from Nuremberg [Getty Images] Southampton midfielder Caspar Jander is an injury doubt for their opening Championship game against Watford on Sunday (13:30 BST). The German missed out on the Saints' 2-0 win over Colchester United in the first round of the EFL Cup, but boss Tonda Eckert doesn't have any other concerns about the rest of his squad. "We are looking good and strong at the moment," Eckert said. "Caspar has been on the pitch today so I think that will be a late decision to see if we want to risk it for the game or push it one week further." Sunday's game at Vicarage Road will be the first Championship match the Saints have played since the 'Spygate' scandal saw them expelled from the play-offs. Eckert has been vocal about his "hurt" in the fallout from the charges and expects the episode to change how the team are welcomed away from St Mary's this season. However, rather than put extra pressure on his side, the German feels the negative reaction has made them stronger. "I think we've grown even closer together as a group," Eckert added. "I think this is going to be important to us going into the season, especially for away games. I think they might have a different atmosphere but we will find out for the first time on Sunday. "But it's something we have addressed and the answer for us is to just stand close to each other." Latest Southampton news and analysis