Tuesday 16 August 2016 17:18, UK
Goalkeeper Jack Butland could return from injury in time for Stoke's Premier League match with Manchester City on Saturday.
Butland sustained an ankle injury the day before the Potters' season opener at Middlesbrough which forced him to sit out the 1-1 draw at the Riverside.
Speaking after the match, Stoke boss Mark Hughes eased fears about Butland, who was forced to cut short last season with an ankle fracture.
And assistant manager Mark Bowen is hopeful the 23-year-old could feature against City at the weekend.
"Jack hasn't trained today but he has been out there, in the sunshine, with a big smile on his face which was good for us all to see," said Bowen.
"He tells me that he is feeling fine, and depending on how the rest of the week goes there may even be a chance of him being ready for the game on Saturday - although I say that with caution."
He added: "Obviously, we have three or four days before then and anything can happen, but if he keeps on improving the way that he is, and he rests it up well over the next day, then who knows."
