Stoke City manager Mark Robins is turning to science in an effort to address the injury woes of striker Sam Gallagher.
The forward has been ruled out for the third time this season after sustaining another hamstring injury during his first start since October. This latest setback follows a different hamstring issue and a calf injury earlier in the campaign.
Gallagher’s Injury Struggles
The 29-year-old Gallagher, who suffered the injury in last weekend’s game, is expected to miss several weeks of action. Speaking about the situation, Robins said:
“It’s terrible for Gallagher because I think Sam can be anything he wants. He’s a really powerful athlete, and sometimes you look at him and think he’s too powerful for those explosive movements, which is damaging the muscle.”
Robins has begun exploring ways to manage Gallagher’s game time to reduce the risk of further injuries. He emphasised the need to understand the mechanics of Gallagher’s movements and the potential role of science in keeping the striker fit and available for matches.
Squad Challenges and Injury Updates
Stoke’s injury concerns extend beyond Gallagher. Midfielder Ben Pearson is nearing a return to full fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury that required off-season surgery. The 30-year-old could feature for the under-21s next week as he works his way back to match sharpness.
Additionally, Bosun Lawal is also training with the team following a stress fracture in his lower back but has yet to gain sufficient minutes on the pitch. With a limited first-team squad, Robins faces a delicate balancing act in managing his players’ fitness while navigating a packed fixture schedule.
Upcoming Fixtures and Challenges
Stoke City’s immediate focus is on their FA Cup third-round tie against Sunderland this weekend. The team then faces tough Championship fixtures, including trips to Portsmouth and a pivotal clash with promotion rivals West Brom. The pressure will be on Robins to maximise his squad’s output amid mounting fitness concerns.
Despite these setbacks, Robins remains optimistic about finding solutions to keep Gallagher fit and leveraging his squad’s strengths to maintain competitive momentum.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
