Thursday 16 November 2017 17:59, UK
Mark Hughes is confident Jack Butland will be back in action for Stoke City in weeks rather than months.
Butland suffered a broken finger in training with England ahead of the friendly double-header against Germany and Brazil but Hughes remains optimistic he could be back in action before Christmas.
Speaking before the Monday Night Football match at Brighton, Hughes told Sky Sports News: "Knowing Jack as we do, he is very focused. It will be weeks rather than months. He copes better than most.
"I've seen the X-ray and it could be five weeks. It's clearly not as significant as the injury he had before (a fractured ankle in March 2016), but even so he's got to have the same attitude and mental strength."
However the news was not so positive regarding Geoff Cameron who has missed the last two games.
Hughes said: "Geoff is still not available. It's taken a little bit longer than we anticipated for him to return.
"He's getting a reaction when he tries to train. You have to be careful with head injuries and need to follow the correct procedures."
Hughes is expecting a tough test at Brighton, who sit six points ahead of Stoke after an impressive start to the season.
"Brighton have done very well," he added. "Chris Hughton is a very good manager and deserves greater credit for the work he's done. We will be looking to build on our recent performances when we go there on Monday."
