Stoke have been boosted by the news that Matthew Etherington has avoided a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Wide-man will be back in action 'sooner rather than later'
Stoke have been boosted by the news that midfielder Matthew Etherington has avoided a cruciate knee ligament injury.
The inform wide-man will miss Tuesday night's Premier League meeting with Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium after being stretchered off against Roberto Mancini's side in the FA Cup at the weekend.
It was also feared that Etherington, whose impressive displays have sparked speculation of England recognition, was facing a long lay-off and that the former West Ham player's season might have been over.
But the 28-year-old underwent scans on Monday and the results have shown that there has been no damage to his cruciate ligament and he will now be back in action after a reduced spell on the sidelines.
Manager Tony Pulis told Stoke's
official website: "The news is as good as it could be at this stage.
"If the cruciate ligament had been damaged then it would have been a long lay-off, but we're now hoping that he will be back in action sooner rather than later."
Pulis hopes that squad players will use Etherington's absence as an opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place.
He said: "There have been players in the squad pushing for a chance and this presents an opportunity for someone to step up and play a big part over the next few matches while Matty is on the sidelines."
