Stoke City injury news vs Millwall as Eric Bocat and Enda Stevens updates issued
Injury news from Clayton Wood as Stoke City prepare to head to London to take on Millwall
Mark Robins will assess Eric Bocat in training today to check he’s okay to play for Stoke City at Millwall – and delivered a positive update on Enda Stevens.
Bocat made his first start since December 21 when he helped Stoke to a 1-0 win over Blackburn on Wednesday night. The 25-year-old left-back played 73 minutes before needing help to get off the pitch from two physios, having had on-pitch treatment for cramp.
Most players had a day off on Thursday but Bocat is back in this morning ready to report for duty ahead of a trip to Millwall tomorrow (12.30pm).
Robins said: “I haven’t seen him this morning but I believe he’s ok, he’s put his wellness sheet in so it’s not been anything too worrying. Until I see them out on the training ground, I’m going to make those calls in a little while. There is also Ramadan to consider as well at the moment.”
Stoke have felt cursed at left-back in recent years, sometimes through a lack of having a recognised senior player in that position.
But Robins has had three in since January, when he brought in Josh Wilson-Esbrand on loan from Manchester City, and all three have been laid low by calf injuries.
Stevens replaced Bocat in mid-week but then needed to be substituted himself as the game went into injury time. He has missed a chunk of this season and there are always fears when he goes down – but, although he will be out this weekend, he shouldn’t need too long in the treatment room.
Robins said: “It seems that way (that Stoke are cursed at left-back) but sometimes it’s circumstances. The good news is that Enda is not going to be out for any length of time. He came off at the right time, used his experience and understood what was going on and there’s very little damage.
