Potters hopeful on pairs fitness

Last updated : 17 August 2011 By DSG

Stoke pair Rory Delap and Matthew Etherington will be assessed on their fitness ahead of their next Premier League outing.

The two experienced midfielders are set to miss Thursday's Europa League qualifier in Switzerland, but Potters manager Tony Pulis is hopeful they will return in time for a busy upcoming schedule.He told the club's website: "Its a very tough period for us with three away games on the bounce and we will need to use the whole squad for them."

The pair were injured in the season opener at Chelsea, and have both undergone scans ready for further assessment.Pulis added: "We plan to take them with us to Switzerland and we will give them every chance of being fit for the games we've got coming up."Delap will be hoping to shrug off a hamstring injury, whilst Etherington is struggling with his shoulder.

Source: DSG

Source: DSG