Latest update on fitness of key Southampton duo as Oxford ...
Leo Scienza and Ross Stewart have both missed the last two Southampton games, but they could be involved against Oxford United.
the72.co.ukHere are the latest updates I can share about Ross Stewart, focusing on recent coverage up to May 2026.
Overview
- Ross Stewart is a Southampton FC striker who has dealt with recurring injuries in recent seasons, impacting his playing time and contract discussions. Multiple outlets in early 2026 highlighted his contract situation and ongoing fitness concerns as the club evaluated options ahead of summer 2026 [sources compiled from football-news outlets in Feb–Mar 2026].
Key 2026 developments
- Contract status and Saints’ plans: Reports in February–March 2026 indicated Stewart was entering a summer with his Southampton contract nearing expiry, though the club reportedly held an option to extend. This has contributed to speculation about his future at St Mary’s and whether the club will exercise the extension or explore other options [source summaries from February–March 2026 coverage].
- Injury/fitness updates: Throughout early 2026, Stewart’s fitness remained a recurring theme, with occasional updates suggesting he could be available for upcoming fixtures after periods of absence due to hamstring injuries and other fitness concerns. News items noted cautious optimism about his return to action in time for key matches [reporting from March 2026 coverage].
- Match involvement and form: When fit, Stewart has shown he can contribute in attack, including goals and assists at various points in the 2025–26 season. Several outlets emphasized that his impact when available is meaningful for Southampton, reinforcing why his fitness and form are central to the club’s plans [March 2026 to April 2026 coverage].
Context and sources
- The story around Stewart in early 2026 focused on whether Southampton would retain him beyond the summer and how his injury history affects that decision. Coverage also highlighted his potential impact if fully fit during the latter part of the season [Feb–Mar 2026 reporting].
- For deeper, up-to-date specifics (e.g., exact quotes from the club, contract status, and the latest intensity of match fitness), I can pull fresh sources if you’d like, and summarize them with direct citations.
Would you like me to gather and cite the latest articles verbatim from specific outlets (e.g., club announcements, reputable football outlets) and provide a concise, sourced timeline of Stewart’s contract status and fitness updates for May 2026? If you have a preferred region (UK-based sources vs. international), tell me and I’ll tailor the search.