SAINTS manager Russell Martin admitted "we probably won't see Ross Stewart again this season" following the striker's latest injury blow.

Martin previously outlined that Stewart was expected to return mid-to-late January having suffered a hamstring injury at Huddersfield Town. 

Separate from the Achilles injury with which he was signed, Saints have since rescanned his hamstring and discovered the injury is worse than first thought.

According to Martin, there is a strong possibility that his cameo against Huddersfield was the last time we will see him in action this season.

He told the Daily Echo: "I think we need to be honest and realistic with Ross. We probably won't see him again this season.

"Although it's a short-term pain for us, long-term we need Ross to have a full pre-season. To risk him for three or four weeks this season seems a bit crazy.

Daily Echo: Ross Stewart made his Saints debut against West Brom on Saturday

"It will depend on the situation we are in. We had to rescan his injury to allow the initial swelling to go down.

"It wasn't very good news. He will be out for a longer period. I'm devastated for him, the bad news keeps coming.

"I'm not going to come out here and lie and keep answering questions pretending he isn't going to be fit.

"If you do see him at some point it will be a huge bonus. We need to be a bit more long-term with Ross.

"I still maintain he will be a brilliant signing for this football club over a long period of time. We need to make sure he is right."

Daily Echo:

Martin previously revealed that the Scottish forward felt as though he let his teammates down by getting injured again.

Martin reiterated his disappointment for Stewart on a personal level, adding: "For him, I am more devastated.

"It's not about losing a striker - he's such a brilliant guy whose journey to get here has been different and difficult.

"I get emotional talking about it because I'm gutted for him. We will do all we can to support him as we do with every player.

"We will make sure that when he does come back he will find some joy in it and is doing what he does best - being on the pitch and scoring goals."

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu recently told the Daily Echo: "We all know how hard he has worked to get back.

"It's disappointing to see that happen to him, but I've got no doubt he will be working hard in his rehab and he will be a special player for us."

Stewart has made two substitute appearances for Southampton since joining from Sunderland on deadline day.