WINDOW SHOPPER

Robins ponders ways to shore up injury-hit squad

- Peter Smith

STOKE City will look to the transfer market to bolster hopes of a top-six challenge, says Mark Robins.

Stoke head to Norwich tomorrow (3pm) sitting ninth and three points off the playoff places with 21 games remaining, boosted by a battling 1-0 win at Hull on Thursday.

They have been hit by injury bombshells in the last fortnight which left them without a senior fullback, their number one keeper, top scoring midfielder and the striker who was just emerging as the first choice.

Right-back Junior Tchamadeu could be back for the next league match after Norwich, however; left-backs Eric Bocat and Aaron Cresswell could return this month and Lewis Baker shouldn't be too far behind them. Ben Pearson, right, is back from suspension and available at Carrow Road.

It remains to be seen on keeper Viktor Johansson, who needs shoulder surgery, and striker Robert Bozenik, who is being treated for a painfully dislocated shoulder.