Stoke City manager, Gary Rowett, is hoping that Peter Oghenekaro Etebo’s recent lay off proves to be a blessing in disguise ahead of a probable return to the ranks at Bristol City today.
The 22 year-old Nigerian returned from international duty with a tight hamstring and has sat out the last two games against Birmingham and Sheffield United.
But he returned to training on Thursday and looks set to be back in the shake up as Rowett tinkers with his starting 11 and formation to freshen things up at Ashton Gate at the end of a three-game week.
“He only missed the Birmingham and Sheffield United games, so he’s only missed four or five days and it’s hardly like his fitness is going to be affected,” said Rowett.
“It’s really just making sure his hamstring is ok and how he responds to training.
“Peter certainly gives you that youthfulness, that little bit of extra energy, that explosive pace when he needs to use it.
“I still think, to a certain degree, Peter Etebo is going through that initial process of coming in, being really, really good, then finding that little spell afterwards when it’s hard to then step on the gas again.
“So maybe coming out of the team for a couple of games because of an injury might actually help him.”