Stevens, Thompson, Iversen – Stoke City injury, suspension and absentee news ahead of big Cardiff test
Latest team news from the bet365 Stadium as Stoke City prepare for trip to Cardiff City in the Championship
Enda Stevens is stepping up his return to fitness again as Stoke City head into the crucial last 13 matches with a near fully-fit squad.
Stevens, aged 33, has been missing since mid-December as a calf injury was followed by a nasty hamstring strain. The summer signing left-back is now back running at Clayton Wood with fitness staff and hoping to return to full training around the end of February
It has been another tough season for the veteran Republic of Ireland defender, whose last two campaigns at Sheffield United had been derailed by a series of injuries, and Stoke have gradually turned to central midfielder Jordan Thompson to step up as number one at left-back or wing-back.
Thompson, aged 27, picked up a booking against Coventry on Saturday which means he will receive a two-game suspension if he is booked again in the next four matches. His tally is up to nine because the two he picked up against Ipswich Town on New Year’s Day count as a red card, for which he has already served a one-match suspension.
The next amnesty for yellow cards is after the 37th match of the season so Thompson has to be on his best behaviour for upcoming games against Cardiff City (away), Middlesbrough (home), Leeds United (away) and Preston North End (away).
Wouter Burger is up to eight bookings too and will have to watch out while Ben Pearson has already passed the 10 mark, served a two-match ban and picked up his 11th. If he reaches 15 yellow cards before the end of the season he will receive a three-match ban.
