Southampton's Ross Stewart opens up on injury hell

Stewart confessed that mental challenges have been the toughest thing to deal with and feels disappointed that his Premier League chance passed by due to injury.

The Scottish forward has managed just 13 appearances for Southampton since joining the club from Sunderland in 2023. 

He arrived with an Achilles injury and has suffered several setbacks since, forcing him to miss the bulk of his two seasons on the South Coast.

"I thoroughly enjoyed it," Stewart told the Daily Echo after his maiden home start. "That's the reason for the dark, lonely days where I've been working the last couple of years.

"That's what I've been working towards. You want to be out there playing. Since I've come to this football club, all I've wanted to do is play games and try and help out.

Ross Stewart played 66 minutes on his first Saints start. (Image: Stuart Martin) "Mentally, it's been the hardest part. You work hard to get yourself back to a position where you think you're good.

"Then you get that setback with another injury or a niggle. It's tough because you just want to play games of football.

"I'd never really experienced this in my career up to the last couple of years. You talk to everybody, and everybody tries to help you and guide you.

"Sometimes it just doesn't go your way. I've worked really hard. Like I said, the lads in the dressing room have always been a massive help as well.

"They have kept me in a good mental space because it's been tough at times. I'm just happy to be back out there. It's what I want to do."

Ross Stewart feels like his Premier League opportunity has passed by. (Image: Stuart Martin) Stewart didn't make his Saints debut until November 2023 due to injury setbacks, but revealed his first appearance could have come sooner.

Southampton elected to take caution when reintroducing him to senior football, a decision made by both parties, but luck was not on the Scots' side.

"When I came down, I could have played sooner, but we tried to take that extra time just to benefit me, and I was happy to do that," he explained.

"Unfortunately, you take that extra time, and it still happens. There's been no reason for it all. It's just been one of these things. 

"Nobody's been working harder to try and be out there than me because it's what I want to do. I came down here to play for this club in the Premier League.

"It has been tough, not being a part of it as much as I want. I'm mentally tough, and I'm happy that I've come through it.

"Those 65 minutes have done me good today. Like I said, I've just got to use that and kick on now."