Coach Mark Hughes has defended his decision to leave Osaze Peter Odemwingie out of Stoke City’s squad for their opening game of the Premier League season.
Odemwingie missed out on the team’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, but could return for Sunday’s trip to Hull City.
The manager said: “It was a precaution last week because I was a bit concerned he hadn’t had a great deal of football in pre-season.
“I felt he needed another week’s training, and I have to say this week he has been excellent, so he is in my thoughts.
“It’s about managing resources rather than taking the risk to be honest. We have a good squad and so we can do that to an extent this season.”
Stoke finished ninth on the Premier League table last season.