Stoke City are set to enter the transfer window for a new defensive addition, following confirmation of a mid-term injury setback for one of their regular starters.
The Championship outfit host FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry City on the opening day of the 2024/25 campaign but will be without a player that is of familiarity to both sides…
There has been no formal confirmation on a particular target for the Potters aside from one, but the centre-back area is now of priority ahead of their season opener.
Rose ruled out
According to a report from the Stoke Sentinel, Stoke City defender Michael Rose has sustained an ankle injury which will see him miss between eight and ten weeks of action, suggesting that he won’t be available until the end of September.
Confirming the news, Stoke boss Steven Schumacher stated…
“That’s an area that’s going to be high on the priority list now because we’ve had some news that Michael Rose is going to be out for an extended period.
“His ankle injury was more serious than we feared after the game on Tuesday. He’s had it scanned and he’s got to go and see a specialist this week and figure out what the next plan of action is for that.
“So bringing in a centre-back is next on the list of priorities.”
Unsurprisingly, this injury leaves the Potters short of options in the centre-back area which was noticeable during their recent loss to League Two champions Stockport County.
How significant of a loss is this for Stoke?
Rose’s injury has accelerated Stoke’s plans to secure another centre-back before their home fixture against Coventry City next month.
As a result of his absence, Stoke have been left with just two senior centre-backs at their disposal, with those being Ben Gibson and Ben Wilmot whilst the club also utilised 17-year-old duo Jaden Dixon and Freddie Anderson during their pre-season friendly against Stockport County.
The 28-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions for Stoke City last season, scoring his only goal during a 2-0 victory against Middlesbrough in October.
With Rose’s former Coventry teammate Luke McNally also returning to parent club Burnley, Steven Schumacher is likely to act ‘sooner rather than later’ in the transfer market.
Has anyone been linked with the club?
Earlier this week, Leicester City defender Harry Souttar was linked with a loan return to the Championship side after falling down the pecking order with the Foxes following their promotion back to the Premier League.
Though there has been no reports on a move being made, Leicester City loans manager Robert Huth was in attendance (according to the Stoke Sentinel) at Stoke’s pre-season meeting against Stockport this weekend adding further fuel to the fire.