Ross Stewart is set to be included in the Southampton squad for the upcoming Championship match against West Bromwich Albion, according to manager Russell Martin. Despite joining the team from Sunderland during the summer transfer window, Stewart has yet to make his debut due to an Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him since January.
Stewart recently returned to competitive play with Southampton’s Under-21s, scoring in the first half of the match. Now, he is expected to be part of the senior squad for the game against West Bromwich Albion.
Manager Martin acknowledged that expectations for Stewart’s performance should be tempered, considering the extended period he has been out of action. Martin emphasized that Stewart has had limited time on the field with the team, having only completed his first full week of training with the squad and grasping the technical details.
Martin revealed that Stewart might see some playing time in the upcoming game, depending on the match situation. However, the manager highlighted the importance of the international break as an opportunity to gradually integrate Stewart back into the team and work on his fitness.
In addition to Stewart’s return, Martin faces other selection challenges for the match. Jan Bednarek, a key center-back, is suspended due to accumulating his fifth yellow card of the season in the previous victory over Millwall. Martin expressed disappointment over Bednarek’s absence but emphasized that it provides an opportunity for other players to step up.
Martin praised Mason Holgate’s performance when filling in for Taylor Harwood-Bellis against Preston, and he expressed confidence that whoever replaces Bednarek in the upcoming match—whether it’s Holgate, Shea Charles, or another player—will perform well. Martin believes that the team has reached a point where substitutions can be made seamlessly, ensuring continuity and performance even in the absence of key players.
