Southampton had to make do without first-choice centre-forward Che Adams in the 0-0 draw against West Brom on Sunday.
Adams had gone off injured in the final game of the regular Championship season against Leeds United but manager Russell Martin had implied this was just a precaution.
Therefore, it was a surprise not to see the Scotland International in the starting line-up for the play-off semi-final first leg at The Hawthorns on Sunday.
Adams was replaced in the line up by 21-year-old striker Sekou Mara as Martin opted to continue with the 3-5-2 shape that gave his side success in the 2-1 win over Leeds.
Mara failed to make his mark, though, in what has become a theme of his season and Southampton fans will be desperate to see Adams return to the side for Friday night’s second leg.
Russell Martin hopeful Che Adams can return for second leg
Although Mara struggled to impress against West Brom, Ross Stewart did come off the bench to make his longest appearance in a Southampton shirt to date on 71 minutes.
The striker has endured rotten luck with injuries since signing for £10 million in the summer but is hoping to make an impact in the play-offs before Southampton fans hope to really see the best of him next season.
Stewart was bright and forced a fine save from West Brom goalkeeper Alex Palmer as his strike was deflected, meaning the stopper had to readjust before saving with his trailing leg.
The former Sunderland man is not close to being ready to start, though, so Martin was asked post-match whether Adams could return.
The Southampton boss responded: “I think there was hope he would be ready for this one but the risk outweighs the reward today.
“It is quite soon after the game. He’s been working. He’s been doing everything he possibly can.
“We’ll get him on a training pitch in the next couple of days and then see how he reacts and adapts to that because he’s important.”
Southampton lacked threat without Adams
Whilst it is true that Mara was poor in the first leg, Adam Armstrong‘s performance was perhaps even more disappointing given what is expected of the 27-year-old.
Armstrong is Southampton’s leading goalscorer this season with 21 Championship goals – as well as 13 assists – yet struggled to get into the game.
When he did receive the ball in good areas his touch let him down and he squandered a decent chance as Flynn Downes’ strike was saved and deflected his way but he made poor contact with the volley.
Adams has been in his best form of the season recently, and made nine goal contributions in the last 14 games of the season, scoring seven and assisting twice.
It is what Adams does outside the box that was missed so much against West Brom though, as the striker disrupts defenders with his movement and provides a real focal point with his ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play.
Adams is the perfect foil for Armstrong and Southampton fans will be desperate to see the two rekindle their partnership on Friday night in the crucial second leg.