Nzonzi's future in hands of medics as anticipation continues to build

MARK Robins will leave Steven Nzonzi’s immediate future in the capable hands of Stoke City’s sports science and fitness departments.

- Joseph Chapman

Supporters are keenly awaiting the second debut of the Frenchman following his return to the club ten years after ending his first spell.

The World Cup winner and previously free agent has been training at Clayton Wood for a number of weeks in preseason, having been invited back by sporting director and his former Potters teammate Jon Walters, and the parties have agreed to a one-year contract for the new Championship season.

Nzonzi, 36, remains a little way off being involved in competitive action for Stoke and, while Robins is also excited by the prospect of utilising the favourite having seen him up close in training already, he'll remain patient and bow to the expertise of the various teams of staff who'll give him and Nzonzi the green light in due course.

"With Steven now coming in, he’s going to need some time to get up to speed," Robins explained.