Southampton manager Russell Martin has provided an injury update on Che Adams ahead of the Championship play-off final with Leeds United.
The Saints booked their place at Wembley on Friday night with a 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion, 24 hours after Leeds battered Norwich City 4-0 to seal their passage.
Having finished third and fourth in the table respectively, OPTA’s supercomputer had Leeds and Southampton as the favourites to reach the final in the build-up to the play-offs getting underway.
Southampton finished three points behind Leeds in the regular season but were actually the only side to complete a league double over Daniel Farke‘s side.
They ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at St. Mary’s back in September, before then coming away with a 2-1 victory at Elland Road on the final day, in what was ultimately a dead rubber due to results elsewhere.
Martin shares whether Adams will be fit for play-off final vs Leeds
In a similar fashion to Patrick Bamford for Leeds, Adams missed both legs of Southampton’s semi-final having actually picked up an issue against the Whites earlier this month.
With 15 goals in 25 starts, Adams has been a key player for the Saints this season and so Martin will be determined to get him back fit, having opted against risking him last night.
There is still another eight days until the final and so a full week of training will hand both managers the chance to get some of their injured bodies back.
And speaking to the Daily Echo after the win over West Brom, Martin has confirmed Adams will ‘definitely’ be involved in some capacity at Wembley.
He said: “Yeah, he will be, for sure. He will be involved. Whether that’s starting or on the bench, he will definitely, definitely be involved. For him, the risk did outweigh the reward in the end because he still felt a little something.
“Fair play to him, he said he would try. He said ‘If I’m needed, I’ll give you 10 minutes off the bench, 15 minutes or whatever.’ He will be ready in some capacity for the final.”
Leeds target Adams already close to summer move
This looks set to be Adams’ final appearance in a Southampton shirt with his contract set to expire at St. Mary’s in the summer.
Adams has been linked with a number of clubs already, including Leeds, who have been long-term admirers of the Scottish striker for several years.
However, it looks as though Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to win the race having already entered advanced talks over a free transfer.
It is certainly interesting that he has already seemingly agreed a move before a play-off final, but he will be looking to deliver Southampton fans a parting gift.