Former Sunderland favourite Ross Stewart nears a return to football after being sidelined for nearly the entire season.
The Black Cats had little to shout about this season. With the campaign turning into a miserable one in 2024, many fans will inevitably look upon past achievements.
Sunderland’s promotion from League One and into the Championship playoffs last season was a highlight for the Stadium of Light’s spectators. Many of the first-team stepped up in that period with Stewart leading the line.
In his two-and-a-half seasons at Sunderland, the Scotsman netted 40 times in 81 games, including 26 in their promotion campaign.
However, all fairytales must come to an end and he moved to relegated Southampton for £8 million at the start of the 23/24 season.
Injuries have plagued Stewart since his move and he has only managed two appearances for the Saints. Yet, in the build-up to the Easter fixture list, an update emerged on the attacker’s fitness.
Ross Stewart – injury update
Stewart moved to the Saints injured and was only able to make his first appearance in November. However, in just his second game, he was struck down with a muscle problem which has kept him sidelined since.
However, it now seems that the Scotsman will be back sooner rather than later. Southampton boss Russell Martin gave a positive injury update on the attacker ahead of their game on Good Friday.
He told the Scotsman: “Big Ross Stewart is back on the grass. He is doing light work and will slowly be reintegrated back into the group. As I’ve said before, we shouldn’t expect too much from him. It’s great to have him back in amongst things.”
This is great news for Southampton as they look to return immediately back to the Premier League.
Hopefully Sunderland’s injury issues follow the same route
Sunderland’s injury issues this season have been one of the major reasons for their downfall in 2024. Players such as Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts added to an already inflated injury list.
However, in recent weeks it looks like we may see some of the Black Cats return for the end of the campaign.
Clarke has now returned to training while long-term absentees Bradley Dack and Corry Evans are on the brink of a comeback.
Hopefully, as the season continues, more players will make an appearance so Mike Dodds can end the season on a high.
