Stoke City coach Alex Morris believes Ben Gibson will be ‘fine’ to play this week.
Stoke City’s defense missed their trip to Sunderland over the weekend due to illness. They lost 2-1 to the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light, with Lewis Koumas scoring their goal.
Gibson, 31, hopes to be eligible for selection as the Potters travel to Kenilworth Road to play Luton Town, looking to recover from their defeat in the North East.
Morris, their number two, declared on BBC Radio Stoke (via StokeOnTrentLive) that he will be alright. We do not expect any issues for the Tuesday game against Luton Town. Of course, it is a blow; he is our captain and leader. He has an impact on the players not only on the field for 90 minutes, but also in the changing room and on the training ground on a daily basis.”
Stoke City’s selection boost
Having Gibson back would be beneficial for Stoke City.
He increases their defensive competitiveness and depth while also injecting experience into their ranks.
To strengthen their defensive unit, the Potters signed the centre-back on a free transfer in the summer.
He has since made 18 league appearances for Staffordshire, scoring two goals from the back.
Gibson progressed through Middlesbrough’s system and made 203 first-team appearances. As a young player, he gained experience during loan spells with Plymouth Argyle, York City, and Tranmere Rovers.
Burnley tempted him away from his local team in 2018, but his time at Turf Moor did not go as expected.
The Clarets first sent him to Norwich City, but he eventually joined the Canaries permanently.
Gibson spent three years at Carrow Road before relocating to Stoke City in June. He signed a three-year contract that runs until 2027.
What happens now?
Stoke City will evaluate his availability for the upcoming match against Luton Town during the next 24 hours.
The Potters sit 15th in the table and will be looking for more consistency under Narcis Pelach throughout the winter season.
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