Stoke’s mini injury crisis ahead of Cardiff visit

Mark Hughes has a mini injury crisis on his hands ahead of Stoke`s home fixture to rivals Cardiff City.

Robert Huth and Marko Arnautovic, who sat out of the Potters 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park to Roberto Martinez`s Everton, will also be missing for the visit of Malky Mackay`s side with knee and hamstring problems respectively.

Jonathan Walters, who has played in 102 consecutive Premier League games, is a doubt with a thigh injury. If Walters doesn`t prove himself to be fit, then it will be the first time since February 2011 that the Republic of Ireland international has failed to make the Potters starting eleven in the league.

Hughes will be relieved that loanne Stephen Ireland is available for selection and Kenwyne Jones is also pushing for a start after coming off the bench in the defeat at the weekend.

Potentially starting eleven vs. Cardiff:

Begovic
Cameron Shawcross Muniesa Pieters
Whelan
Ireland Nzonzi Adam Assaidi
Crouch