Following an outstanding season, Adams’ probable return to fitness is critical for Southampton’s promotion bid.
Martin seems optimistic about Stewart’s ability to contribute significantly in the next games, hinting to his preparedness to do so after recovering from an injury. Important players will be crucial as the Saints need to win all of their play-off games to guarantee a berth in the Premier League.
In the lead-up to Southampton’s match against West Brom in the semi-final first leg, Russell Martin has given an important injury update. This weekend, the Saints will play their first play-off matchup against the Baggies at the Hawthorns. Martin’s squad will enter the contest fresh off a 2-1 victory over Leeds United on the road in the regular season finale.
But against the Whites, forward Che Adams only played for an hour before leaving the game due to a problem early in the second half. Positively, Ross Stewart played for the first time since November and might now be able to contribute to the team’s promotion campaign.
Prior to their journey to the Midlands, Martin talked about Adams’ health and implied that his replacement was merely a precaution. Although Adams’ fitness is still being monitored, the Southampton manager still anticipates seeing him play at the weekend. We have to manage him through this week a little bit, as it was more of a precaution than anything else “said Martin, citing the Daily Echo. Martin expressed optimism that Stewart will be able to contribute in their next games, showing that the Scot is keen to play again following a six-month injury layoff. “Having Stewart in training has been fantastic,” he continued. He looks excellent, is primed to contribute, and will undoubtedly play more minutes throughout the following several games.
Ross’s first game this week has been really crucial.
When he entered, he performed incredibly well. He appears to be in excellent shape. He has been training with us for some time, so it’s not like he’s missing training time—he’s just missing match minutes. He’s always nudging us, telling us over and over again that he wants to play and have an influence on us. In the upcoming games, I’m confident he’ll make a significant effect.
Southampton’s drive for promotion
Southampton’s next match is against Carlos Corberan’s team at St. Mary’s on Friday, after visiting the Hawthorns on Sunday. The winner of the two legs will play Norwich City or Leeds United in the championship match on May 26 at Wembley Stadium. As the Saints aim to return to the top division as soon as possible, a spot in the Premier League for the next season is up for grabs. Adams made 40 appearances during the regular Championship season, tallying four assists and sixteen goals. hence their hopes of getting promoted may depend on the forward’s availability (all data from Fbref).
Everyone will be needed by Southampton to push for promotion.
Martin will need Adams’ availability much because he has played well this season and has provided a few significant goals. Although Stewart joined the team from Sunderland last summer and has only appeared in three games, he can still have a significant impact in the next games. Due to a paucity of playing time, the forward, who has a good eye for goal, has yet to score for his new team. He will have nearly justified the £8 million that was spent to sign him last year if he scores his first goal in the play-offs and propels the team to promotion.
