Enda Stevens is intensifying his efforts to return to full fitness as Stoke City prepares for the crucial final stretch of 13 matches with a squad nearly at full strength. The 33-year-old has been sidelined since mid-December due to a calf injury followed by a significant hamstring strain. The left-back, signed in the summer, is currently undergoing running sessions with the fitness staff at Clayton Wood and aims to resume full training by the end of February.
This season has been challenging for the experienced Republic of Ireland defender, with his time at Sheffield United marred by a series of injuries in the past two campaigns. In Stevens’ absence, central midfielder Jordan Thompson has been entrusted to step up and fill in at left-back or wing-back for Stoke.
Jordan Thompson, aged 27, received a booking in the match against Coventry, putting him at risk of a two-game suspension if he is booked again within the next four matches. As the next opportunity for yellow card amnesties comes after the 37th match of the season, Thompson needs to exercise caution in the upcoming games against Cardiff City, Middlesbrough, Leeds United, and Preston North End.
Wouter Burger and Ben Pearson are also facing disciplinary challenges, with Burger accumulating eight bookings and Pearson surpassing the 10-mark, having already served a two-match suspension for his 11th yellow card. If Pearson reaches 15 yellow cards before the season concludes, he will face a three-match ban.
In terms of injuries, Daniel Iversen and Luke McNally are aiming for a return to contention this week after late fitness decisions ruled them out of the previous weekend’s matches.
Stoke City’s depth has allowed for player rotations, with Steven Schumacher making changes to the squad after the mid-week victory over QPR. Several players were utilized as substitutes in the subsequent fixture against Coventry, with Schumacher emphasizing the importance of managing player workload and providing opportunities for rest when needed.
Senior players, including Ryan Mmaee, have been omitted from selection for various reasons, with Mmaee undergoing training with the under-21s to regain the trust of the coaching staff and teammates. Schumacher highlights the competitiveness within the squad, stressing that performance in training and matches will determine the matchday squad selection moving forward.
