Stoke City manager Mark Robins has provided a positive injury update on forwards Sam Gallagher and Bosun Lawal. Both players picked up minor issues in the recent 4-0 win over Charlton but are expected to return to action shortly.
Robins gave the news following Stoke's 1-1 draw with Cardiff City on Tuesday night, which earned the Potters their first away point of the season. The team currently sits 15th in the Championship table with seven points from six games. Their record shows two wins, one draw, and three losses, with a goal difference of minus one after scoring nine and conceding ten.
What did Mark Robins say about the injuries?
Mark Robins addressed the fitness of his two attackers after the Cardiff match. "They have both got minor issues, just minor issues. They will be back soon," the Stoke City boss told The Sentinel. Gallagher was forced off in the first half of the Charlton victory, while Lawal was substituted in the second period due to a hamstring complaint. Their absences add to a growing list of unavailable players, which also includes Aaron Cresswell, Ato Ampah, Ben Gibson, and Junior Tchamadeu according to the club's current injuries list.
Who else is nearing a return for Stoke City?
There is better news regarding other members of the squad. Winger Million Manhoef has returned from a training injury and was named on the bench for the midweek trip to Cardiff. Swedish midfielder Svante Ingelsson is also expected to resume training during the upcoming three-week international break, offering a boost to Robins' options.
Defender Ben Gibson continues to follow the concussion protocol after missing five matches. The quick turnaround of Championship fixtures has complicated his recovery. Full-back Aaron Cresswell is still working his way back from a knee injury sustained during a pre-season training session.
How does the international break affect Stoke's squad?
The pause in league action will see several players depart for national team duty, creating further selection challenges. Bae Junho will miss Stoke's next two games after joining the South Korea under-23 squad in Japan for the Asian Games. Junior Tchamadeu has been selected by Cameroon despite not playing a competitive minute since the end of last season during his loan spell at Bristol City.
Ato Ampah took a step towards full fitness by playing 45 minutes for the under-21s in a match last Friday. Stoke's next Championship fixture is an away trip to face Watford on September 12th. Watford are currently 11th in the standings, four places above the Potters. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What is Stoke City's current league position?
The draw at Cardiff leaves Stoke City four points behind early leaders West Ham. Their recent form reads as a draw, two wins, and two losses from the last five outings. Managing the squad through this period of injuries and international calls will be key for Robins as he looks to build momentum. The team travels to Vicarage Road to face Watford in their next Championship contest.
