Playing away at Stoke is always a tricky test, even if they have become slightly less brutal under the surprisingly extensive reign of Mark Hughes.
We’ve already seen Manchester United take their first slip up of the year at Stoke a couple of weeks ago, and before that it was Arsenal that were dropping points at the former Britania Stadium.
Chelsea will face a tough game, there’s no doubting that. But the injury situation at Stoke will be a major boost to the Blues.
“It’s fair to say we are struggling in defensive positions, which is hugely frustrating.
“Ryan Shawcross unfortunately isn’t going to make it, neither is Geoff Cameron and Kevin Wimmer is going to be touch and go too.
“Kevin is our major doubt for the game, so I am waiting on an update on his availability, we are desperately hoping he is OK.
“He has a hamstring injury which has hindered him this week, so we are going to have to check up on him this afternoon and then make a decision.
“Obviously had Kurt been available then we would have been able to manage, but as it stands we are down to just one senior defender, Bruno Martins Indi.” – Mark Hughes
Speaking in his press conference today, Mark Hughes revealed that a spate of injuries at the back – plus the unavailability of on loan Chelsea centre back Kurt Zouma – means that Chelsea’s opponents are seriously struggling for bodies at the back.
Geoff Cameron and Ryan Shawcross are confirmed to be out, and Kevin Wimmer is “touch and go” according to the Stoke boss.
That leaves just Bruno Martins Indi as a senior defender. Good luck against Eden Hazard.
