Saturday 10 January 2015 13:28, UK
Mark Hughes admits he is wary of throwing Philipp Wollscheid in at the deep end when Stoke play Arsenal on Sunday.
Germany defender Wollscheid became Stoke’s first signing of the January window earlier this week when he arrived on loan from Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move.
It's a big decision to throw him in at that deep end against a team the quality of Arsenal.
However, the 25-year-old has not played since December 19 due to the winter break in Germany and Hughes believes there are easier games for him to make his debut than against the Gunners at the Emirates.
"We pursued Philipp as there was an opportunity to do it," said Hughes. "We had to move quickly and we're pleased we did. He's come in and he's in good shape.
"He's had a couple of weeks off, but in that time he was aware of our interest and he's kept himself up to speed.
"But he's only had two training sessions this week, so he's an option, that's all I'll say.
"It's a big decision to throw him in at that deep end against a team the quality of Arsenal."
Hughes has another four players who could face the Gunners, but he is mindful they have all recently been injured and does not want to push them too quickly too soon.
Midfielder Victor Moses, on loan from Chelsea, has been sidelined for seven weeks with a thigh injury, while striker Bojan Krkic has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem.
"Victor is back in the group and he looks okay, he looks sharp, but whether or not he is ready to start that's something I need to mull over," said Hughes.
"But credit to Chelsea, he's come back well in terms of the rehab they gave him. He's bang on track.
"We'll be careful because prior to his injury he was arguably our best performer.
"Bojan is another we also have to be careful of, so we will have to see if he's ready for the weekend."
Marc Muniesa, who missed the 3-1 FA Cup win over Wrexham last weekend with a slight groin tear, has returned to training.
Fellow defender Marc Wilson has a knee problem which Hughes claims the club "are managing okay", but added: "We have to be mindful of that."
Stoke's famed home record against Arsenal is not matched when they go to North London - they have lost their last 12 away matches against the Gunners, their last victory way back in 1981.
Hughes is hoping the stunning 3-2 success over Arsene Wenger's side just five weeks ago at the Britannia Stadium in early December will play a part.
"If you look at our record at Arsenal it isn't great, and neither is my own personal record with other teams before Stoke," said Hughes.
"But this is an opportunity for us as we're playing them quickly after a very positive performance and result last month.
"Hopefully, from a psychological point of view, it might help us more than Arsenal. We hope it's a benefit.
"We certainly have to improve our record down there, and if we are to do that then we have to force them to work harder than they have done in the past."
Watch Arsenal vs Stoke live on Sky Sports 1 from 12:30 on Sunday
