Stoke City suffers Ricardo Fuller injury blow
Stoke City is waiting for news that will confirm the extent of striker Ricardo Fuller's shoulder injury.
Fuller was forced off of the pitch during the club's 2-1 victory away at Newcastle United. It was clear that the striker had dislocated a shoulder as he was escorted from the field with his arm in a make-shift
sling.
"We're just keeping our fingers crossed that they'll be able to pop it back in. If he's out for any longer [than 10 days] it will be a massive blow to us because he is a game-changer. He's as good as anyone
at coming on and making a difference, and he was bright and fresh before the injury,"
Stoke manager Tony Pulis said.
Stoke does have cover to cope with Fuller's absence. However, the striker has a great deal of raw pace and power that cannot be replicated by any other player in the club.
Enough cover
Both Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters are starting games regularly and playing well. These players have kept Fuller out of the first team this season, meaning Pulis won't have to change his basic tactics
for the side.
The club also has Tuncay and Eidur Gudjohnsen to come off of the bench. These are very experienced players that can come in and have an immediate impact on the Stoke team.
The only slight worry that Stoke and Pulis will have is the fact that Jones is the only player who can mirror some of Fuller's qualities. If Jones gets injured then the club will not have another big and
powerful front man to aim the ball at.
The other major concern is if there is tissue or ligament damage around Fuller's shoulder. Any damage that could prevent the bone from being put back into the shoulder joint could mean an end to Fuller's
season.
Betting advice
Stoke is a hard working and productive team. The club will cope without Fuller so there is no reason to change normal betting patterns. Have a punt on the club breaking into the top ten of the Premier
League this season.
Tags: