GOOD NEWS: Narcis Pelach about to receive massive boost to starting XI after Clubs medical team reveal long term injured Prodigy fitness already in a final stage to be active on Turf.
Wouter Burger is aiming to make his return to Stoke City’s squad for their challenging away match against Sheffield United, after missing the 2-2 draw with Bristol City due to injury.
Burger was unable to pass a fitness test ahead of the Bristol City game, having limped off during the first half of last weekend’s draw with Norwich because of a foot issue. It was uncertain whether the 23-year-old would recover in time for the quick turnaround. With Burger unavailable, Jordan Thompson filled his spot in central midfield, but there is hope that he will be ready for Saturday’s match.
Head coach Narcis Pelach said: “I hope, fingers crossed. He wasn’t available, we tried to push it, but it wasn’t right, so we’ll see. We’ll need to assess him, but I expect him to return.”
Thompson’s inclusion was one of two changes for Stoke against Bristol City, with Eric Bocat also starting in place of Enda Stevens. Stevens, who has battled injuries since joining Stoke from Sheffield United in 2023, delivered an impressive physical performance against Norwich and was brought on as a substitute this time to help the team secure a point.
Bocat contributed to Stoke’s opening goal, and the team expects him and Stevens to complement each other in the coming weeks and months.
Before the match, coach Alex Morris told Radio Stoke: “We’ve talked before about the need to rotate and use both Eric and Enda throughout the season so they get enough playing time. They offer different qualities at left-back, and, if we can keep them fit, this rotation will become a regular feature.”
Meanwhile, Sam Gallagher (hamstring), Bosun Lawal (back), Lynden Gooch (knee), and Ben Pearson (hamstring) remain sidelined.