Flynn Downes to return to Southampton FC squad to face Stoke

Downes, 25, has been forced to miss trips to Cardiff City and Leicester City over the last week, both of which ended in defeat.

Southampton have only won two of their 10 Championship fixtures when Downes has not been available.

Asked if Downes will be risked ahead of the playoffs, Martin conceded: "We won't risk him but he's in the squad.

"It's not a risk if he enters the pitch. I don't think there's any point in risking him, so if he gets on the pitch tomorrow, it'll be part of the plan.

"And if he doesn't, it'll be the same, it'll be part of the plan."

Southampton are also expected to name Sekou Mara in the squad after the Frenchman served his three-game ban.

Martin's side were dealt another midfield blow on Tuesday evening when Joe Rothwell was forced off in the first half.

His injury came just days after Stuart Armstrong's season was prematurely ended by a quad injury at Cardiff.

Martin is hopeful that Rothwell will be fit to face Stoke but confessed the Cherries loanee will not start.

"We're hoping to have him involved, so we will wait and see how he's reacted from training today," he continued.

"He didn't do the whole training session, we're trying to manage it through, but he won't start the game because he had to come off the other night, but hopefully he'll be involved."

Joe Rothwell was forced off against Leicester City (Image: Stuart Martin)

Saints host a Stoke side who are yet to secure their Championship status for next year in their final home game of the regular season. 

The St Mary's outfit currently sit six points off the top two spots with just two games to go, including a visit Leeds United on the final day.

Previewing the contest, Martin said: "I expect Stoke to approach the game the same way they have recently.

"I have played against a Steven Schumacher team before, they'll be aggressive. They'll be good. They'll try and play. 

"It's a surprise to me that they are where they are in the league. He's a very good manager.

"I'm convinced they're not going to come in and play negatively with their approach. They are going to have a real go and we have to be ready for that.

"But we have to play the game we want to play. We didn't do enough on Tuesday night and tomorrow we have to."