Ryan Shawcross not ready to Stoke return, says Mark Hughes
Thursday 15 October 2015 17:17, UK
Stoke manager Mark Hughes has confirmed club captain Ryan Shawcross is still not ready for first team action despite coming through 90 minutes of a practice match.
After a 45-minute run-out for the U21s last week, Shawcross played the whole of a behind-closed-doors game on Thursday as he continues his recovery from a summer back operation that has prevented him featuring for the first team.
That progress has been encouraging but the centre-back will not be featuring for the first team against Swansea in Monday's Sky Live match.
"Today was another step up for him. We wanted him to get some more minutes and he completed 90, which is his first since the operation, so that is good," said Hughes.
"The initial idea was to give him 60, 65 or 70 today but he felt good so we left him on and he came through it, so that is encouraging.
"But he probably needs a couple more games before he is in consideration. He hasn't had too many sessions with the senior group over the last couple of weeks, so he'll need another couple of weeks I'm sure.
"It is a case of making sure Ryan is ready to come back and that when he does, he is able to hit the ground running and be at the level he was before the injury.
"He's progressing well, we are really pleased with where he is at the moment, and the key now is that he doesn't get any adverse reactions to playing or training."
Striker Mame Diouf will also miss Monday's game having been given compassionate leave following the death of his mother, reportedly killed in a stampede during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
"The likelihood is that he will come back early next week, but he'll miss the game on Monday," added Hughes.
Watch Stoke v Swansea on Monday Night Football. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1HD at 7pm.
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