Stoke City transfer latest as injuries give more food for thought
A calf injury to Eric Bocat has given Stoke City something else to think about in the January transfer window.
Summer signing Bocat has shared minutes at left-back with veteran Enda Stevens this season but will be missing for several weeks after sustaining a problem in the warm-up to last weekend’s win over Sunderland.
Stevens has not been able to start the last nine either due to a calf injury he picked up in a 0-0 draw with Preston in late November, although he has been back on the bench for the last three.
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Up front, Stoke had been looking for an alternative to Sam Gallagher, who is being assessed after withdrawing as a precaution early in the second-half of a 0-0 draw with Plymouth Argyle to try to avoid a hamstring injury.
Previous boss Narcis Pelach had been keen to try to beat Burnley and Sheffield United to the signing of his former Norwich striker Ashley Barnes, who has ended up returning to Turf Moor.
Stoke are also believed to be in the market for a winger as Million Manhoef is ruled out with a knee injury until March. Gallagher and Bae Junho can play wide on the left while Lewis Koumas is currently playing on the right.
New manager Mark Robins is keeping cards close to his chest.
He said: “There’s always things in the pipeline, it’s just how far down the pipe it is. You’ll just have to wait and see.”
Stoke have constraints to consider regarding Financial Fair Play rules but also one loan spot vacant as they look to make additions.
