STOKE CITY have received a major boost ahead of their Europa League tie against FC Thun . . . with the news that winger Matthew Etherington should be available for the game in Switzerland after tests revealed no serious damage to his left arm.
Etherington was in the City squad that flew out of Manchester Airport today for Thursday's evening's away leg in the Play-Off tie after an X-ray revealed that he suffered nothing more than nerve damage in Sunday's match against Chelsea.
Although the 30-year-old winger looked in considerable discomfort and had lost all feeling in his left arm as he was led from the pitch, the injury started to show signs of recovery shortly after the final whistle and he is now well on the mend.
Manager Tony Pulis must now decide whether to include Etherington in his starting line-up for the European tie on Thun's synthethic pitch.
"Once we've trained on the artificial pitch and got a feel for it, I will talk to the medical team about one or two players who have knocks and Matty is one of them," revealed Pulis at his pre-match press conference at the Thun Arena.
"It's obviously a huge relief that the injury to Matty is not serious, but he is still a bit sore. Like some of our other more experienced players, he knows his body better than anyone. So I will speak with him and the medical team before I make a decision."
Pulis also faces a similarly crucial decision over whether to include Jonathan Woodgate or call up another England defender Matthew Upson for his debut.
If Woodgate plays, he faces the prospect of three tough matches in a week as he bids to prove that an injury-ravaged spell in his career is now behind him.
"Woody wants to play every game and that's understandable after what he has been through," said Pulis. "He was outstanding on Sunday, but he felt a little stiff the following day. Nevertheless, he has surprised himself how well he has recovered.
"Matty Upson is raring to go and hoping to do what Woody has done so far; he wants to prove that he is worth a place in the team. He has been well up with his fitness levels since he has come to the Club and so he is anxious to play in this one."
City are almost certain to be without experienced midfield pair Rory Delap and Salif Diao, who are both on the injured list, and Pulis will also have to check on the fitness of winger Jermaine Pennant who has been hampered by a thigh injury recently.
Source: http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2423826,00.html?
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