Defender Ryan Shawcross set to miss out as Stoke take on Hull

Posted Friday, March 06, 2020 by PA

Captain Ryan Shawcross and winger James McClean are closing in on returns to action for Stoke, although neither is expected to be fit for Saturday’s clash with Hull.

Shawcross returned from a broken leg in December but only played three games before being forced onto the sidelines again.

The defender made an appearance for the under-23s on Monday and could come into first-team contention soon along with McClean, who has been sidelined with a knee injury.

Liam Lindsay was an unused substitute in last weekend’s draw with Luton and will hope to make his first appearance since the end of January.

This is a crunch clash at the bottom of the table, and Hull continue to experience major injury problems.

Of their absentees, only forward Keane Lewis-Potter, who has recovered from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for the last three games, is expected to be in contention.

That leaves Jordy de Wijs, Reece Burke (both calf), Jon Toral (hamstring), Eric Lichaj, Herbie Kane, Tom Eaves, James Scott (all ankle) and Josh Bowler (heel) all on the sidelines.

Defender Angus MacDonald, though, was due to make a first appearance for 18 months for the under-23s on Friday following battles with a blood clot in his calf and bowel cancer.