Fresh Southampton injury update on Ross Stewart emerges | OneFootball

Saints' head coach Tonda Eckert has provided positive news regarding the Scotsman

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has provided an injury update on Ross Stewart, which could have a knock-on effect for the apparent interest in fellow striker Damion Downs.

As for Stewart, the 29-year-old has been out of action for Saints since the visit to Derby County's Pride Park on October 4th, where he was forced off in the 30th minute with what was later confirmed as a hamstring injury.

Twelve days later, then-manager Will Still painted a concerning picture regarding the severity of the issue - telling BBC Radio Solent that the Scotsman would be out for a 'substantial period'.

Still then added: "I don't think we'll see him on the pitches before the new year which is a big blow, the injury is his hamstring and linked to his tendon which is not the best news."

Albeit the Belgian-Englishman is no longer in charge of the club, his early assessment of Stewart's injury time-frame appears to be true after Eckert's latest comments.

Tonda Eckert gives Ross Stewart injury update for Southampton FC

Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Oxford United, Eckert provided the positive news that Stewart has finally returned to the grass, marking a major milestone in his rehabilitation.

However, any Saints fans wanting to see the Scotsman back on the pitch ASAP will be ultimately left disappointed.

The German head coach told Saints' official website, "Good news is that Ross trained for the first time yesterday.

"It was a light session, so it will still take a bit of time, but it's good to have him back."

By this point, Southampton's number 11 had obviously been sidelined for well over months, and while his return to the matchday squad is not immediate, his presence in training is definitely a massive boost for the club.

Stewart's return to fitness could have a domino effect on Southampton’s transfer business in the upcoming window, specifically regarding the future of American forward Damion Downs.

Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that "concrete enquiries" have been made by Bundesliga clubs - including Hamburger SV, for Downs ahead of the January transfer window.

Plettenberg mentions in his tweet that the initial problem with trying to sanction an exit for the 21-year-old is his "absolute top-level contract."

This perhaps means that the German sides interested can't pay his full wages, which are rumoured to be £12.5k-per-week via Capology estimates - but there may be more reason to swiftly move him on after this development with Stewart.

With Stewart now edging closer to full fitness, the Hampshire-based club may feel more lenient to accept offers which probably involve a lot less of Downs’ wages being paid.

One game prior to the former Sunderland man's injury, Stewart had netted a brace against Sheffield United, his first two goals of the Championship season. Downs has obviously failed to open his Saints account yet, being goalless across 14 appearances across all competitions.

Ultimately, if Eckert can rely on Stewart to stay fit and share the goal-scoring burden when he eventually comes back into the fold, it could facilitate a move for Downs that might otherwise be blocked, whether that'll be for financial reasons or just squad depth.