Mark Hughes admits Stoke City have multiple problems in defence ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Saturday.
Stoke are set to host the Premier League champions with Bruno Martins Indi as their only fit centre-back available.
Kevin Wimmer is a major doubt due to a hamstring problem, while Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron are both sidelined with injuries.
Kurt Zouma is also unavailable as he is unable to play against his parent club due to the terms of his loan deal.
‘We’re struggling a little bit defensively,’ said Hughes.
‘Ryan won’t be available. Geoff Cameron won’t be available and Kurt Zouma isn’t available. There’s a major doubt on Kevin Wimmer, he’s touch-and-go and we’ll have to see how he is this morning [Friday].
‘Of my senior centre-halves, I’ve probably got one.
‘We’re keeping our fingers crossed Kevin will be okay. He’s got damage to his hamstring and we’re hoping it won’t stop him playing, but clearly at the moment he’s a big risk.
‘Obviously if you have three or four injuries in the same position you haven’t got depth.
‘That’s where we find ourselves and it’s coincided with the fact we can’t play Kurt Zouma.
‘We’re a little bit stretched, to say the least.’
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