Stoke City midfielder Ben Pearson is hopeful of making a swift return to action after missing Wednesday’s crucial win over Blackburn Rovers.
The 30-year-old had to be withdrawn early in the match against Coventry City last weekend, sparking concerns over a potential recurrence of his previous hamstring issues.
Encouraging News After Coventry Setback
Pearson, who played his first full game in 16 months earlier this month following a long injury layoff, was forced off at the Coventry Building Society Arena. However, following consultations with his surgeon, the diagnosis is far more positive than first feared.
“Ben’s a lot better. There was no tear, it was just some complication to the surgery he’s had that they’ve injected and should have solved. He feels a lot better now,” said Stoke boss Mark Robins.
The midfielder missed out on the 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers but has returned to Clayton Wood for assessment. There is optimism that he could be in contention to face Millwall this weekend, where he would be reunited with former Stoke manager Alex Neil.
Key Role in Stoke’s Survival Fight
Pearson, who initially joined Stoke on loan from Bournemouth before making his move permanent last summer, has been a key figure in the Potters’ midfield when available. His tenacity and work rate have been crucial in Stoke’s battle to avoid the drop, but persistent injury problems have hindered his impact.
Despite his absence against Blackburn, Jordan Thompson stepped into Pearson’s role and, alongside Wouter Burger and Lewis Baker, helped secure a vital three points in the club’s survival bid.
“We’ve followed the surgeon’s advice in terms of his recovery from that – only 48 hours or so and this game came too soon for him. But I’ll see him (on Thursday) and we’ll see how he trains and moves forward from that,” Robins added.
What’s Next for Pearson?
With only a few months left in the campaign, Pearson’s availability could be pivotal for Stoke’s fight to maintain their Championship status. If he can stay fit, his leadership in midfield could make a significant difference in the club’s final run of fixtures.
Meanwhile, Stoke will continue to monitor the midfielder closely, ensuring that he does not suffer any further setbacks in his recovery.
Writer’s View
Pearson’s injury history has been a frustrating saga for both the player and Stoke City. His presence in midfield adds much-needed steel to the side, but his fitness issues have left the club frequently searching for alternatives. If he can return against Millwall and remain fit for the remainder of the season, Stoke’s survival hopes will be significantly boosted.
