Stuart Armstrong’s season for Southampton is OVER. But Russell Martin reckons his star man could still make Euro 2024 for Scotland.
Former Celtic Treble-winner Armstrong, 32, may have played his final game for the Saints after being stretchered off in the 2-1 defeat away to Cardiff City. The midfielder is in his sixth season at St Mary’s but with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Armstrong could be set for pastures new.
Southampton boss Martin revealed Armstrong had suffered a muscle injury and that the experienced playmaker had left the stadium in crutches. And while he fears Armstrong’s domestic campaign has come to a premature end, ex-Scotland defender Martin is optimistic that the former Dundee United ace will make the plane to Germany.
He said: “I think he has a big chance for that. I don’t think he has any chance of playing for us, I think he has a big hope of getting in the Scotland squad. He’s been fantastic for them and for us this season, and he’s been in every squad. I think there’s a realistic chance of the injury.
“He has to be fit for that so we will do everything we can as a football club to help him get there, it wasn’t as serious as we all feared. But it is serious enough to keep him out for some time now where he can’t help us, unfortunately.
“We’ll do everything we can to get him fit and ready for Scotland, and hopefully we can see him involved in that. That will be a bit of good news for him to finish the season in that way. It’s his quad so it’s a muscle injury.”
One player who will definitely miss this year’s tournament is Lewis Ferguson. The ex-Aberdeen star has been in sensational form for Champions League-chasing Bologna and has even been linked with a stunning £20million-plus move to Italian giants Juventus.
However, Fergie was dealt a devastating blow last week after undergoing surgery on a nightmare ACL injury. The 24-year-old now faces a long road to recovery but boss Thiago Motta is sure his captain will bounce back better than ever.
Motta said: “I’m very sorry for what happened to Lewis. He’s a guy who does a lot for the squad, as demonstrated by the affection he received following the injury.
“I’m happy to see this brotherhood among my players – a little while ago I saw our defender Sam Beukema on his way to the hospital to visit him. I sincerely hope that Lewis can recover as best as possible and return to the pitch with his teammates as soon as possible.
“He has a strong mentality, he knows that in this period he will have to take some time to recover and we will help him in everything we can. I know he will return stronger for this. We are not looking for another Lewis Ferguson because he cannot be replaced.
“Unfortunately injuries are things that happen in football. Now someone else will have the chance to take his place and demonstrate their value.”
