Sam Gallagher could return for Stoke City's Championship clash with Sheffield United this weekend after resuming training. Manager Mark Robins confirmed the 31-year-old forward is pushing to be involved, having missed the last two games since limping off in the 4-0 win over Charlton Athletic.
Robins stated that Gallagher will train again on the day of the announcement. "Gally will train again today," the Stoke boss said. His potential return comes as Stoke look to build on a recent run of three wins from their last five matches, a sequence that has lifted them to 12th place in the table with 10 points.
Other players are also stepping up their comebacks. Defender Junior Tchamadeu and forward Ato Ampah have been building fitness with the under-21s. "Junior and Ato have played a couple of games now, Junior is up to 60 minutes, Ato played 82 or roundabout last night," Robins noted after their match against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Robins emphasised that returning players must earn their place in a competitive squad. He said he needs everyone working to the same level and towards the same goal, with no automatic recalls to the starting line-up. The manager's stance reflects the need for consistency as Stoke prepare to host 15th-placed Sheffield United on Saturday. The Potters will be aiming to improve on their current goal difference of zero, having scored and conceded 11 goals so far this season.
The original report is at hayters.com
