Southampton confirm Harwood-Bellis’ injury will be evaluated.
SAINTS defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been ruled out of the England under-21 squad due to a new injury, according to the club.
Stockport-born Harwood-Bellis, 21, has started the last six consecutive Championship matches for manager Russell Martin.
After a shaky start at his new loan club, Harwood-Bellis had begun to strike a partnership with Jan Bednarek, conceding just two in their last three.
Captain Jack Stephens suffered a medium-term injury in August, depleting the defensive ranks, and is still yet to return.
Saints face further disruption at the back with talkSPORT reporting that Harwood-Bellis has picked up a hamstring injury.
Saints have released a statement, confirming: “Harwood-Bellis will return to Staplewood Campus with an injury despite being called up to England’s Under-21s.
“The 21-year-old was due to face Serbia and Ukraine in EURO 2025 qualifiers with Lee Carsley’s side.
“Harwood-Bellis has returned to the club and will be evaluated further.” In due course, an update will be issued.”
Any injury to Harwood-Bellis might pave the door for Northern Ireland international Shea Charles or Everton loanee Mason Holgate to reclaim a starting spot.
Harwood-Bellis, who signed on deadline day on loan, might become a permanent Saints player, according to the Daily Echo.
The team has a £20 million buy option on the Manchester City defender, but only if the club is promoted back to the Premier League.
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Southampton’s Martin provides a favorable update on Stewart’s rehabilitation.
Stewart, 27, is yet to make his Saints debut after joining on deadline day from Championship rivals Sunderland.
Following Achilles surgery in January, the Scotland international has been out for the majority of 2023, despite scoring 10 league goals in 13 games.
Stewart is back on the grass at Staplewood, and the Daily Echo believes he is undertaking some first-team work as well as individual training.
Martin had ruled him out of all fixtures up to and including Rotherham but issued a positive update on the six-foot-two-inch forward this week.
He told the Daily Echo: “He’s back on the grass and has been for a few weeks so he is integrating into the squad slowly but surely.
“Hopefully, we see him sooner rather than later – I can’t give you an exact timeline because these things are always difficult.
“It is nice to see the big man back out on grass, it’s been good and really nice to see him touching the ball and smiling,” Martin added.
“He’s a really good character so, hopefully, we will get him back on the pitch and you’ll see him involved very, very soon.”
Stewart, who has 40 goals in 80 Sunderland appearances, will compete with current leaders Che Adams and Charly Alcaraz.
Stewart scored 26 league goals, including two in the playoffs, to help the Black Cats reclaim their place in the second tier for the 2021-22 season.
He hit the ground running following his last lengthy injury hiatus, which was due to a hamstring issue, scoring five goals in six Championship games over the 2022 holiday season.
