Stoke City have so far been able to manage without the presence of Robert Huth at the back.
The big German formed an impeccable partnership with Ryan Shawcross, while his versatility also allows managers to provide physical presence in the right back positions. He has been trying to overcome a long-term injury problem that has limited his league appearances so far this season to zero. He was widely expected to start his comeback by making an appearance in the Capital One Cup match against Southampton. This fourth-round match will be at home for the potters.
The club’s assistant manager Mark Bowen has confirmed that the player has suffered a setback in his attempts to recover from the knee injury. The setback is not linked to the need, as this injury has occurred in his calf. The player is expected to shake off this problem in the next couple of weeks. This will make him available for first-team selection during the crucial December period. Mark Bowen has revealed that Huth has been extremely patient during this period and the same cannot be said of many players. There was an opportunity for Huth to be part of the German team at the World Cup 2014, but those hopes were destroyed after the injury.
“We’ve had a problem with Robert Huth.He trained yesterday and had a problem with his calf and has gone for a scan.It might put him out for a couple of weeks.He’s been patient waiting for his chance and it might have been a chance for him to go in tomorrow.But now he’s got a pretty bad calf problem.He finished the session and walked in and said his calf was really sore. All the fans know what a warrior he is,” said the Stoke assistant boss.