Stoke City’s team news before their Championship match against Norwich at Carrow Road
While Alex Neil awaits the results of four crucial players’ late fitness tests, Lynden Gooch and Junior Tchamadeu are prepared to make their debuts at left back for Stoke City if necessary.
Although it is obvious that having both players available would be a huge advantage, Andre Vidigal (ankle) and Ryan Mmaee (hamstring) are still ‘touch and go’ for being cleared to play this weekend against Norwich. Stoke has cover and competition in attack for them.
Although Mark Travers, who withdrew from Republic of Ireland service purely out of prudence, is currently the deputy keeper, it is believed that Travers will be able to maintain the gloves.
But Enda Stevens is the only senior out-and-out left-back and he is a doubt having picked up a calf injury for Ireland against France. Gooch and Tchamadeu, who both arrived on deadline day, are options but Neil admits there are areas in his revamped squad which could do with greater fortifications.
“Lynden and Junior have played left-back before,” he said. “Obviously we’ll see how Enda is ahead of the game. Listen, we knew it was going to be an area that was a potential concern but we’ve got guys who have done it before.
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