Stewart has battled muscle issues this season. He missed the Sheffield Wednesday game because of “muscle tightness,” and Tonda Eckert described his absence as precautionary. He still played only about 20 minutes off the bench in the recent win over QPR.
That cautious approach makes sense in isolation because injuries can derail a striker’s season. But when you step back and look at the bigger picture, it also highlights a deeper issue.
Still’s minutes policy may have hurt Stewart
Under Will Still, Stewart made five substitute appearances before being asked to start three games within seven days. In hindsight, Still might have rested the striker for the away match at Derby, where the Scotsman was injured.
Perhaps Stewart's two goals, which won the match at Sheffield United, didn't help. With his best striker coming into form and seemingly fit, not many could blame Still for starting him at Pride Park.
If Still had managed his minutes better early in the season, Stewart might have stayed fitter and been available for longer.
Injuries are unpredictable, and no coach can foresee every twist of fate. But careful rotation, planned starts and defined minutes could have helped Stewart stay involved and reduce the chances of aggravating his injuries.
Eckert's 'spreadsheet' approach is proving correct
Eckert’s cautious approach now reflects an awareness of his importance to the side. But the earlier period under Still left Stewart’s campaign in tatters and ruined the Saints' hopes of using the Scottish striker for any prolonged period.
Eckert's 'spreadsheet approach' has been mocked by some Southampton reporters. His tendency to substitute influential players after 60 minutes in a match and replace them with fringe players has drawn derision from the crowd, too.
As far as Ross Stewart is concerned, Eckert's approach has meant that Stewart has been involved in a nine-match run of games for the first time since he was signed from Sunderland in 2023.
Stewart's availability has coincided with both him and Southampton being in great form. He has scored three times in nine games and grabbed two assists along the way.
The purchase of Cyle Larin has given the Head Coach the opportunity to rest Stewart when needed, without affecting the team's style and shape.
Hearing that Stewart was not involved on Saturday for precautionary reasons might be exactly the news that Saints fans wanted to hear. Larin is a great option, but he's not the player to get Southampton into the top six.