Stoke City team news: Xherdan Shaqiri returns with Glenn Whelan but Jonathan Walters misses out
Potters welcome back former boss Tony Pulis with Mark Hughes' side still searching for their first win as Lee Grant makes first league start in goal
MARK HUGHES will assess Xherdan Shaqiri on Friday before making up his mind whether to start the forward when Stoke host West Brom on Saturday.
The Switzerland international has failed to feature since scoring the equaliser on the opening day of the season against Middlesbrough due to a calf injury.
But boss Hughes, who is under increasing pressure with this side rock bottom of the Premier League, has revealed that they may have to make a late decision on Shaqiri's availability despite the player training on Thursday.
Hughes said: "Xherdan trained again yesterday and we will check on him today.
"He has had a soft tissue muscle injury, but if he feels confident and we feel that he won't be compromised by it then we will go with him."
Veteran forward Jonathan Walters has taken his place on the right-wing in Shaqiri's absence in the Potters' last two league fixtures.
However the Ireland international is a major doubt against former boss Tony Pulis.
Hughes added: "He missed Wednesday because of an issue with his ankle.
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"He got through the session yesterday, even though we had to strap him up.
"He is a doubt for tomorrow.
"Bojan was just given a rest on Wednesday and is back in contention tomorrow."
Stoke were handed a boost after Glen Johnson managed another 90 minutes in the midweek defeat against Hull following his long injury lay-off.
Jack Butland, Stephen Ireland and Ibrahim Affellay are all long-term injuries.