Stoke City are managing Junior Tchamadeu's return from injury carefully while seeking right-back reinforcements, manager Mark Robins confirmed. The 22-year-old has resumed training after a hamstring setback but won't be rushed back, with Stoke currently sitting 20th in the Championship after one loss to start the season. League standing: 20th in Championship, 0 pts, 0W-0D-1L from 1 games, recent form L.
What's the latest on Tchamadeu's recovery?
Tchamadeu has only started 23 league games last season due to injuries and international duties. Robins emphasized patience: "Just because he's back on the grass doesn't mean he's near. We've had to fall into that trap before and it doesn't make sense." The club wants him fully fit to avoid another disrupted campaign.
Why is right-back a priority?
Stoke have struggled to cover Tchamadeu's absence, with Ben Wilmot, Bosun Lawal and Sorba Thomas filling in. Wilmot, now on a new three-year deal, has played there in the first two games. Robins said: "Every club has competition for places in the Championship. You can't be fearful of that."
What about transfer targets?
Harry Clarke was expected from Ipswich but joined Preston after a medical issue. Robins wants quality competition: "Junior is in a category where he could be anything. I want him pushing and I want whoever is in the team pushing." Stoke are also assessing left-back options after Aaron Cresswell's pre-season injury.
What's next for Stoke?
With Lawal potentially out against Southampton, Wilmot might return to centre-back. Next fixture: vs Middlesbrough (away, 2027-02-17) (4th in the table). Robins praised Wilmot's commitment: "He's honest, he's been here for a long time now and sees this as a really good club."
