Duo To Return To Action?

Hughes delivers verdict on Diouf and Johnson availability

MARK HUGHES is hoping to have both Mame Diouf and Glen Johnson back in contention for Sunday’s live televised trip to Selhurst Park.

Senegalese international Diouf was absent from the squad against Tottenham Hotspur last time out after sustaining an injury in action for his country during the international break.

Johnson, meanwhile, hasn’t featured for the first team since February’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on the south coast after sustaining a knee injury.

However, he says the pair have both returned to training this week and are in his thoughts for this weekend’s fixture.

“Both players have come through training this week, and providing they come through the final couple of sessions they will be under consideration,” he said.

“Mame missed the game last week but has been able to make a good recovery, whilst Glen has had two or three sessions under his belt, which is good news for us.”

The Welshman is however still without the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Jack Butland, as well as long-term absentees Ibrahim Afellay and Stephen Ireland.

Xherdan still isn’t available, although he is making progress – albeit very slow,” he added.

“We didn’t expect him to be out of action for quite this long but it is what it is. The aim is to get him back training with the group next week.”

Source: /www.stokecityfc.com