James Beattie's injury hit season seems to have been ended after a knee operation see's him sidelined for six to eight weeks.
Beattie, 31, has struck only three goals all season, and has been out of favour for most of the season after failing to rediscover last seasons form when he netted nine times after signing for £3m from Sheffield United in January to help keep the Potters in the top flight.
The hitman has struggled with niggling injuries all season and the early season form of David Kitson and mid season return of Mama Sidibe hindered his attempts to get gametime under his belt and regain full match fitness.
The striker also had a run in with manager Tony Pulis after December's game away at Arsenal, when the pair physically clashed over the players Christmas party.