Jese Rodriguez looks certain to have made his last appearance for Stoke after failing to turn up for training on Wednesday in the latest problem for manager Paul Lambert.
The former Real Madrid striker had been granted compassionate leave to return to Spain to tend to his poorly baby boy but was due back for Wednesday morning's session.
Stoke know Jese is still in his homeland but are in the dark over his exact whereabouts and have not received any communication on when the 25-year-old might return. Depending on how the situation develops it is anticipated he will be fined.