Southampton FC: Russell Martin issues new Che Adams update ahead of West Brom | OneFootball

Southampton manager Russell Martin has provided an update on the fitness of star striker Che Adams, ahead of the side's play-off semi-final second leg against West Bromwich Albion.

Martin and his players should feel like they have the advantage heading into Friday night's game against the Baggies.

The 0-0 draw that they got at the Hawthorns means that they need a win of any manner in the second leg to book their spot at Wembley for the final, and a chance to return to the Premier League.

While it wasn't one of their best performances of the season, the Saints did show a resilience and steeliness that wouldn't ordinarily be associated with them.

The game saw some more minutes go the way of recently returned summer signing Ross Stewart. He's been out for most of the 2023/24 campaign but has returned to fitness just in time for the post-season.

The question of his Scottish striker partner is in question though.

Che Adams injury update

After scoring or assisting seven times in his previous 10 games, Adams was omitted from the Southampton squad for the first leg against the Albion.

In the Saints' game on the final day of the season, which saw them pick up a 2-1 win against Leeds United, the opening goal of which was assisted by the 27-year-old, Adams was forced off with just under half an hour to go in regular time.

Before kick-off on Sunday afternoon, Martin revealed what caused the issue that forced him off, and that it was the same problem which had prevented him from playing in the first leg.

"It’s a loss for us. It’s a blow," said the head coach, as per Alfie House. "He’s been outstanding in especially the last four or five weeks. He came off with a tight calf. He’s not quite right and the risk outweighed the reward. We have another game on Friday and hopefully, he’ll be ready for that."

House reported after the game that Martin had said there was hope from the Southampton boss that Adams would be fit enough to be involved in the second leg.

The Daily Echo journalist added that Martin doesn't tend to give much away when it comes to his players' fitness, and that he said that his team missed the Scottish international.

Ross Stewart's return should ease Southampton striker fears

Friday night could well be Adams' last game as a Saint. His contract is set to expire at the end of June, and the reports, which have suggested an interest from Everton, Wolves and Leeds United in the centre forward, don't point towards him staying past the end of his current deal.

The presence of Stewart helps to ease fears on two fronts when it comes to his compatriot.

Firstly, his improving fitness means that Adams doesn't need to be rushed back for the second leg if they don't feel that he is ready to go.

Secondly, if the former Birmingham City man does leave when the summer window comes around, then they will have the 27-year-old as a new signing already, essentially, because of how little he has been able to contribute since arriving at St Mary's from Sunderland.

Southampton may still want to go out and strengthen in this area of the pitch, but it shouldn't be an absolute necessity, unless Stewart's major injury issues persist.