Southampton manager Russell Martin has confirmed that striker Ross Stewart is set to return from injury by the time they face West Bromwich Albion on November 11th.
Stewart has been out of action since January after injuring his Achilles tendon.
He joined Saints in the summer though for an undisclosed fee, joining from Sunderland.
Striker set to return in next two weeks
Martin told the Daily Echo that Stewart will hopefully be back in the next two weeks.
“He’s really close. If it’s not next week, hopefully, it will be the West Brom game.”
Fellow striker Che Adams picked up an injury against Preston North End and is also set to be return
“I don’t think it’s going to be a long one, we’re hoping to have him back for next week but if not, it should be the week after.”
Stewart return would be welcome boost
Stewart’s return would be a massive boost for manager Russell Martin.
Saints currently have the likes of Adams and Adam Armstrong upfront, who are both brilliant players at Championship level. Armstrong in particular has been great so far this season, scoring eight.
Stewart would provide a different option for Saints going forward, with Adams and Armstrong both being smaller, quicker players, Stewart is a striker who is great in the air due to his height and physique.
He could help tremendously when, if Saints are pressed too far back, Stewart can knock down the long balls potentially coming forward.
This would then allow Saints to keep hold of possession in times where they, more likely than not, would lose it.