Republic of Ireland defender Marc Wilson is set to be out of action for around three months after breaking his leg last weekend - although Stoke boss Tony Pulis is optimistic his recovery may be quicker.
Wilson sustained a fractured left fibula in last Saturday's 0-0 draw with Sunderland as he made a challenge on Black Cats striker Steven Fletcher, and had to be carried off on a stretcher.
Stoke this week indicated the 25-year-old was facing up to three months on the sidelines, but Pulis is hopeful it will not take that full duration.
Speaking this afternoon at a press conference ahead of Saturday's away clash with Norwich, Pulis said: "It's three months at least I think.
"But we are hoping, with the medical staff we have got and the way they overachieve in lots of respects, it might even be quicker than that - fingers crossed.
"We have Wilko (Andy Wilkinson) who can slot in (at left-back), but we are disappointed with what has happened to Marc.
"I think he has probably been our most consistent player this year - he is a very underrated lad and we will miss him because he has great quality."
Pulis also confirmed midfielder Glenn Whelan, who has missed the last two games due a hamstring injury, is available for selection again.
"Glenn is back into contention now," Pulis said.
"We didn't feel as if he was ready last week, but he has had a good week's training."
