from Clayton Wood as Stoke City gets ready for their Championship away game against Cardiff
The devastating news that Luke McNally will be sidelined for two or three weeks comes as Stoke City battles to survive in the Championship.
McNally reported a thigh injury late in training on the day of the game, thus he was unable to play in last weekend’s match against his previous team, Coventry City. After the seriousness of the injury was revealed by scans, he was ruled out of Saturday’s trip to Cardiff, Middlesbrough’s home game the following weekend, and most likely Tuesday’s away game at Leeds United. On March 9, he might also be available for Preston North End’s match.
The 24-year-old centre back, who is on loan from Burnley, has played more minutes in the league this season than any other member of the Stoke team, forcing Steven Schumacher to make choices about his defensive line.
In his past two games, Schumacher has switched to a 3-4-2-1 lineup, pitting Michael Rose, Ben Wilmot, and Ki-Jana Hoever against Coventry. But he has generally used a 4-3-3 formation, and he went back to it in an attempt to get an equaliser.
In addition, Enda Stevens is still recovering from a hamstring ailment, and Ryan Mmaee—who has been practicing with the under-21 team to demonstrate his attitude—has disclosed a knee issue. Due to a niggle, Sead Haksabanovic has also missed some training; however, Daniel Iversen is back after suffering a dead leg.
Schumacher said: “Luke McNally is not going to be available. He missed out at the last minute last week when he felt an issue in his thigh. We had him scanned and he’s going to be missing for probably two to three weeks. It’s a blow for him. He’s the only added injury to the injury list we’ve had. Everyone else is fine.
“Iversen Daniel is doing OK. He will be available despite having a dead limb that was too painful. Everybody else has caught up.”
Schumacher was impressed by Tyrese Campbell and Andre Vidigal, who helped the under-21 team defeat Brighton on Monday at Clayton Wood and will be considered again. At Aston Villa tonight, more experienced players should be included in the 21s lineup.
