Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller is set to win his fitness battle to be available for the visit of Man Utd.
Jamaican could be involved against United on Sunday
Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller is set to win his fitness battle to be available for the visit of Manchester United.
Fuller suffered his second shoulder injury in three games against Bolton last weekend and the Jamaican frontman was rushed to hospital after falling awkwardly in the 2-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium.
The 30-year-old suffered an early exit after coming on as a substitute in the victory over Newcastle United last month and the latest setback has given manager Tony Pulis reason for concern.
But the Potters boss believes the mercurial forward will be part of the squad that welcomes the Red Devils to the Britannia Stadium.
Thumbs up
"It looks as though he's been given the thumbs up, so he should be in the shake-up for Sunday," Pulis told
The Sentinel.
"You're always sweating when you see Ric go down and then get carted off to hospital like he was on Saturday, but the reports back are very encouraging and he's in good spirits himself.
"Of course the shoulder is a concern, that's why we are giving him extra strengthening work and the physios are closely monitoring his progress.
"We're hoping that by building up greater strength in the shoulder it will prevent this sort of thing happening. Luckily, Ric loves all the hard gym work."
Pulis has used Fuller as an impact substitute for much of the season and has made no apology for taking care of his treasured striker.
"People mustn't forget what a traumatic close-season he had after a family home was burned down back in Jamaica in the summer," added Pulis.
"He came back a stone-or-so lighter for pre-season after all the anxiety. That can obviously affect the strength of your body."
