AMSTERDAM --Stoke City defender Geoff Cameron has been all but ruled out for Tuesday's Capital One Cup tilt with Chelsea due to a thigh injury suffered early in a Premier League loss against visiting Watford on Saturday.
The US handyman was removed after just nine minutes 503317310" tabindex="0">on Saturday. The Potters expect Cameron's exam results to show only a mild strain, which means he could be back in contention when they visit Newcastle in league play this weekend.
"We will probably be lacking Geoff Cameron," said Stoke boss Mark Hughes during 503317312" tabindex="0">Monday afternoon's press conference. "He's gone for a scan and it looks like a Grade 1 [muscle strain], so we're hopeful he might have a chance for the weekend."
Cameron moved into the heart of defense to cover for injured skipper Ryan Shawcross, who is now expected to make a 503317313" tabindex="0">Tuesday return while the American recovers.
Hughes praised the Massachusetts native for his work covering for Shawcross thus far this season, which has included 56 clearances, 15 tackles and 11 shot blocks in 10 starts. Stoke had posted consecutive road shutouts before the loss to Watford 503317314" tabindex="0">on Saturday.
“In fairness to the guys, up until the weekend, they had done fine in his absence," Hughes said. "But it is always good to have the club captain back. We lost Geoff early in the game at the weekend and that affected us. We lost the balance we have had in previous weeks."
