The Scottish forward, Ross Stewart, was unable to continue beyond the first half of Southampton’s match against Arsenal due to an off-the-ball incident that resulted in a muscle injury. Despite the setback, Stewart was later seen walking around the Emirates Stadium without support. Southampton manager Martin provided updates on Stewart’s condition and expressed confidence in his recovery ahead of their home fixture against Leicester.
Russell Martin said, “Ross came off (at Arsenal) and won’t be available but it’s not a long-term injury. It’s a frustrating setback for Ross and is disappointing for him and us. I think it’s natural for him to be really disappointed after his first Premier League start to get injured and for it to be cut short. I think we just have to support him in the best way we possibly can, as we always do. I think there’s no one more upset and hurt than Ross. We just have to support him and bring him back in the best way we possibly can. It’s not going to be a long-term injury. We just need to support him mentally and psychologically more than anything physical because he’s had one setback after the other. We’ll do that. We have a brilliant group of people here, players and staff, to support him and he knows that. He knows he’s loved and cared for. I think he’ll get through it at some point. These setbacks will maybe still happen, but hopefully fewer and far between. He’ll be supported in the best way possible.”
Stewart joined Southampton from Sunderland last summer, and although his first season was curtailed, he had managed 42 minutes across four appearances for the Saints. The club was cautious with his fitness over the summer to avoid aggravating a minor issue, which paid off as Stewart managed to double his total playing time this season and earned a start at the Emirates.
