Stoke boss Mark Hughes assessing midfield options with Joe Allen suspended
Friday 25 November 2016 10:31, UK
Mark Hughes is considering his midfield options ahead of Stoke's game at Watford on Nissan Super Sunday.
Joe Allen is suspended for the game at Vicarage Road, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 11.30am, and as such Hughes will be forced into a rejig, possibly involving big money signing Giannelli Imbula.
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"We have options, it's not ideal - we are light in terms of numbers but we have options," said Hughes.
"There are any number of combinations I can go with, so I will think about those and make a decision leading into the game.
"Giannelli (Imbula) was honest enough to say that given his ability he hasn't been able to impact games in the manner he would want. We have had a good response from taking him out of the side and it could be that we bring him back this weekend given the circumstances.
"He has been ready to come back for a number of weeks but given the way we have performed it has been difficult for him to come back. I would have no qualms about bringing him back in."
Since arriving from Liverpool in a £13m deal in the summer, Allen has featured in all 12 of Stoke's Premier League games, scoring four goals, and Hughes has praised his compatriot's impact.
"Joe has made a real impact for Wales and for ourselves, and that has highlighted him to everyone. He has carried on for us from where he left off in the summer. He has been outstanding and has given us a real drive and impetus," Hughes said.
"It has been a good match, him and us. He understood that he needed to leave Liverpool and has come here and prospered. He really enjoys it here. I don't think anybody who has seen him this season won't say they have been impressed."
As well as Allen, Hughes has revealed that Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan is a doubt for the weekend, while Geoff Cameron and Phil Bardsley are confirmed absentees.
Hughes added: "Glenn Whelan will hopefully be okay. He has an issue with his calf although the hamstring problem he did have is okay. Geoff Cameron is still out. Phil Bardsley is going to be struggling for a number of weeks with his knee.
"Thankfully, his injury has coincided with the return of Glen Johnson, who is fit and well. We want to keep him nice and sound now.
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