Former Saints midfielder Ross Stewart’s probable comeback has been dubbed a “massive boost” by Carlton Palmer.
Stewart, 27, has had an Achilles issue since January but nevertheless moved to Saints on the final day of the transfer window for £10 million.
After lifting Sunderland out of League One with a goal in the playoff final, the Scottish international scored 10 goals in 13 Championship games the previous season.
Palmer, who made 50 appearances for Saints after joining the team in 1997 from Leeds United, believes the issue is at the other end of the field.
“This is a massive boost for Southampton and their promotion hopes. He leads the line very well and knows where the back of the net is.
“Southampton currently sit mid-table on 17 points but only a couple off the play-off places,” the former England international added.
“The problem for them isn’t so much scoring goals but conceding them, having shipped 21 in 11 games.”
Stewart could make his return from the bench at Hull City this weekend but manager Russell Martin is yet to confirm his availability.
Martin told the Daily Echo he could be back “very, very soon,” after returning to training in the last few weeks.
Saints then visit Preston North End on Wednesday, October 25, before welcoming Birmingham City to St Mary’s on Saturday, October 28.