West Bromwich Albion
“A really difficult one” – Pundit issues Ross Stewart claim ahead of Southampton’s play-off clash v West Brom
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Ross Stewart made his comeback to the Southampton lineup during last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Leeds United.
The Scottish player has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town in November. This is the third major injury he has sustained in the previous 18 months.
Although there was concern that the forward might not play again this season, he has made a comeback in time for the Saints to participate in the playoffs.
The 27-year-old could now play a role in the Saints’ bid for the final promotion spot as they prepare to meet West Brom in the play-off semi-finals. He came off the bench in the closing 10 minutes of their victory over the Whites on the last day of the regular season.
Ross Stewart – Southampton league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals (Assists) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
2023-24 | 3 (0) | 0 |
Carlton Palmer issues Ross Stewart, Southampton return verdict
Carlton Palmer feels that, considering the range of problems Stewart has encountered over the past 18 months, Southampton should take no chances with his fitness.
The former Saints midfielder, nevertheless, has asserted that if he can successfully get back up to speed in time, he might have a significant impact in the playoffs.
Palmer informed Football League World that Ross Stewart is back and ready for Southampton.
This one seems pretty challenging to me.
“He’s had a tough experience with his Achilles tendon injury (and subsequently a hamstring issue), so I can’t think Southampton will rush him if he’s not fully ready.”
“It would be great news for Southampton if he could participate in the playoffs and is fit, but you simply want him back fit.”
“You pay that much money for a player, and all you want is for him to be healthy again.
“You’re saying how much of an impact he will add, but you’d have to be 110% fit.
Though it seems doubtful that he will have a significant impact on the play-off results given how much football he has missed, you never know. He has just recently been able to catch up.
“You never know,” the player I played with, Roland Nilsson, who had cruciate ligament damage and missed a whole year of play, said of his performance in the season’s cup final.
“I’ve always claimed that I liked him when he was at Sunderland.
“He is quite aware of the location of the back of the net in the Championship, so regardless of the outcome, this is a huge win for Southampton and a huge win for the player.”
“I just hope he has some time off from injuries so he can resume his finest activity, which is scoring goals.”
Ross Stewart’s difficult time at Southampton
Stewart joined Southampton for £8 million from Sunderland last summer, according to reports, but he has only appeared in three league games for the Saints since then.
He still hasn’t scored a league goal for the team, but if he does score in the team’s play-off match, it would come at a critical moment.
![flynn downes](https://static0.footballleagueworldimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/flynn-downes.jpg)
In the rematch on May 17 at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton will play West Brom at The Hawthorns on May 12 at 2:15 p.m.
The winner will play in the Wembley Stadium final on May 26 against either Norwich City or Leeds United.
Southampton boss Russell Martin needs to manage Ross Stewart’s fitness accordingly
Stewart’s availability for the playoffs increases Martin’s offensive options.
He must, however, exercise extreme caution in how many minutes the striker plays since jeopardizing his long-term health is not worth it.
In the semi-finals, he’ll probably be getting playing time off the bench, where he can still have a significant impact in little time.
Stewart has shown that he is a threat in the last third of the game, so if he can rapidly return to that caliber of performance, the club’s prospects of promotion may significantly increase.
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