Sunderland striker Ross Stewart extended his run without a goal to six matches in the 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
Stewart has netted 18 goals in 32 League One appearances this season but his recent dry spell has coincided with the Black Cats’ poor recent run of form.
The 25-year-old has played 36 games in all competitions already this season, with 34 of those coming from the start.
Due to his relentless run in the side, new manager Alex Neil replaced him in the 73rd minute of the weekend clash at Plough Lane as he felt he looked a little ‘jaded’.
Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips believes that his fitness is a big problem for Neil due to their over-reliance on his goals so far this season.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips claims Stewart may have to be managed in a different way in order to get the best out of him again.
He said: “It’s a major concern.
“From the outset, I’ve said there is an over-reliance on Ross Stewart to score goals. If he is missing, where are the goals going to come from?
“Nobody can expect Jermain Defoe to be the answer given his age and how little football he’s played this season. He’s not going to get in there and run the channels. He cannot do what Ross Stewart does.
“Therefore, Stewart’s fitness is a worry, especially given the run of form the team’s on at the moment. They’ve relied so heavily on him this season.
“Perhaps Alex Neil has to manage him a little bit. He might be given an extra day off or an extra recovery day just to get him right for the games. His availability is more important than anyone else.”
