Have to step up” – Stoke City fan pundit reacts to “devastating” setback

Stoke City have been handed another blow following an underwhelming start to the campaign

 Stoke City has failed to meet expectations in the Championship despite a summer overhaul and a promising start to the season.

Injuries, including a significant knee injury to star defender Ben Wilmot, have hampered the team’s chances of success.

Stoke City’s lack of defensive depth makes Wilmot’s absence even more significant, and the team will need to step up their performances to compensate.

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City have failed to hit the heights many expected them to reach after a summer overhaul which saw 19 players come through the doors as they look to find a solution to their Championship woes.

The Potters have languished in the bottom half of the division since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018, consecutive 14th-place finishes two years ago their best placement in the second tier since their return.

While many thought they had turned a corner this time round with three wins from their first four outings in all competitions, Alex Neil’s new-look squad have failed to adapt to the task at hand while injury woes have been at the forefront.

Victories against Rotherham United, Watford and Bristol City have kept the Staffordshire outfit’s head above water while an injury to star defender Ben Wilmot has only hampered their chances as they welcome Sunderland and Leeds United to town following the international break.

What is the latest on Ben Wilmot’s injury?

The former Watford and Swansea City defender has been a shining light in the Stoke backline, playing 84 times in the past three seasons since his arrival – a familiar face in a completely revamped roster.

A knee injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton, however, means the 23-year-old will be out of action for around three months.

He joins a seemingly never-ending injury list with the likes of Tyrese Campbell, Lewis Baker, Enda Stevens and Ryan Mmaee working their way back to full fitness, while Ki-Jana Hoever, Lynden Gooch, Michael Rose and Andre Vidigal may all be back in contention for the Sunderland clash, according to Stoke-on-Trent Live.