Southampton striker Stewart set to make injury return at Leeds United

Stewart has not played since a hamstring injury at Huddersfield in November, having arrived at the club laid off by Achilles surgery.

The former Sunderland man was signed on deadline day last summer for around £10million after excelling at his previous club.

Stewart scored 10 goals in 13 Championship games last season, having netted in the League One playoff final the previous campaign. 

Speaking about players returning to fitness, Martin said: "I think some will play, but they just won't play 90 minutes.

Saints manager Russell Martin previewed Saturday's trip to Leeds United (Image: PA)

"That would be madness but we want to get them ready, and some will maybe not play and we'll just wrap them up a little bit for the playoff.

"Big Ross will be on the bench, which is fantastic for us. I want him to get on the pitch and I want him to be ready for the playoffs.

"I think it could be a big boost for us. He's trained brilliantly, he's in a great place, he was chomping at the bit," Martin continued.

"He was furious at me for not being on the bench on Saturday, so we were in here that morning and put him through a big session with the guys that hadn't played.

"He worked so hard and he just wanted to be on the bench and now he has that opportunity. He'll get on the pitch at some point, all being well, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Saints will be without backup striker Sekou Mara after the Frenchman sustained an adductor issue in the 1-0 to Stoke City. 

"Sekou is out, he's the only one," Martin confirmed. 

"He felt his adductor, he had a shot off his left foot when he went through and he felt that so he'll be out, but he should be back next week."