South Sydney have hosed down hopes of Glenn Stewart making a surprise return against his former NRL side Manly on Friday night.

Stewart is nursing a thumb injury and while he returned to training with the squad this week coach Michael Maguire said the club’s medical staff was taking a cautious approach to his comeback.

The 31-year-old underwent surgery on a torn tendon in April and is scheduled to return next week against Penrith at the earliest.

Maguire said he was pleased with Stewart’s progress but did not expect him back to face the Sea Eagles.