Stoke outcast Giannelli Imbula could make his return to the starting line-up for Sunday's trip to Watford with Joe Allen suspended and Glenn Whelan suffering a calf problem.
The £18.3million club record signing has not featured in the Premier League since the 4-0 home defeat by Tottenham and Mark Hughes has admitted Imbula was told he must improve to win his place back.
Hughes had a frank discussion with the 24-year-old midfielder, who struggled to make an impact in four games without victory at the start of the campaign, but has been pleased with his response in training.