Stoke City are grappling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare to face Derby County in a crucial Championship clash. With both teams fighting to avoid relegation, the match at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday carries immense importance.
Key Injuries Impacting Stoke City
The Potters are missing several key players due to injury:
-
Ben Pearson: The midfielder is sidelined for at least a couple of weeks due to a troublesome hamstring issue.
-
Bosun Lawal: The former Celtic star has yet to feature this season due to a back injury.
-
Sam Gallagher: The striker remains on the sidelines with a calf injury.
These absences have left manager Mark Robins with limited options, particularly in midfield and attack. Leicester City loanee Tom Cannon is expected to start in attack, while the midfield will likely be anchored by Lewis Koumas, who has been a bright spot this season.
Derby County’s Injury Woes
Derby County are also dealing with their own injury concerns:
-
David Ozoh: The on-loan midfielder has not played since mid-September due to a hamstring strain.
-
Ryan Nyambe: The right-back is out with a knee injury sustained against Millwall.
Despite these setbacks, Derby’s squad depth has allowed them to remain competitive, with players like Kayden Jackson and James Collins stepping up in recent matches.
Match Preview
Both teams are in dire need of points to avoid relegation. Stoke City have struggled at home, while Derby County have shown resilience despite their injury list. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both sides aiming to capitalize on any opportunity to secure a vital victory.
In conclusion, the injury crises facing both Stoke City and Derby County add an extra layer of complexity to this already high-stakes encounter. With survival on the line, both teams will need to dig deep and rely on their remaining resources to secure a crucial win.
