Southampton's Martin issues latest update on injured Stewart

The boss confirms Stewart, 27, is still not expected to feature this season following a hamstring injury in November.

The summer signing made just two substitute appearances for Saints having missed most of 2023 recovering from Achilles surgery.

Speaking in December, Martin suggested Stewart could be available for the very end of the campaign but would prefer him to be eased in.

"Long-term we need Ross to have a full pre-season. To risk him for maybe three or four weeks this season seems a little bit crazy," he said.

This week, the Daily Echo asked Martin how Stewart is getting on and whether there is any chance he will play this season.

Ross Stewart scored for Southampton's under-21s on his previous injury return (Image: Stuart Martin)

He said: "Unless our season is extended then we will have to have a look at it but I don’t think there is expectation on Ross to play at any point.

"If he does it will be a big boost for us - but he is in a great place, and he is a great lad. Everyone is so desperate to see him back on the grass.

"He has stepped up his rehab and he is jogging again now but we just have to be really patient and take our time with him." 

Stewart scored 10 goals in 13 Championship matches at former club Sunderland last season before he was sidelined.

Should Saints finish in the play-offs, their season could be extended by three weeks with the Wembley final on May 26.

If Stewart was to become fit in that time, it would leave Martin with a difficult decision over whether to utilise or save him.