SAINTS striker Ross Stewart has suffered a setback in his injury recovery, manager Russell Martin has confirmed.

The 27 year old has made two substitute appearances against West Bromwich Albion and Huddersfield Town, following over 10 months out.

However, Stewart, signed from Championship rivals Sunderland on deadline day, was then absent from the squad for Wednesday's 1-0 win over Bristol City. 

The Daily Echo understands Stewart missed training on Tuesday and Martin issued an update on the Scot at St Mary's.

He said: "Ross couldn't be in the squad. He has had a setback with his injury recovery and this sometimes happens when you come back from a long-term injury.

"We're assessing him but he couldn't be in the squad today and he won't be in the squad on Saturday.

"Hopefully, we will have an update on Friday with a bit more of a clear answer on Ross and where his situation is - he has been scanned."

Martin explained: "It's a muscle injury, not his Achilles injury, his Achilles injury is fine. He landed in a really awkward position at the end of the game on Saturday.

"He managed to finish the game which gives us a chink of light but we have to be really careful with him and get the experts to have a look at it."