Robert Huth, Marko Arnautovic ruled out of Everton clash

Stoke City have suffered a double injury blow ahead of this weekend's clash with Everton following the news that Robert Huth and Marko Arnautovic have been sidelined.

Potters manager Mark Hughes confirmed that the Austrian defender has been ruled out with a knee injury, while his teammate is still suffering from a hamstring problem.

"Robert didn't complete the game last weekend and hasn't been able to train at all this week, so he's not going to be available," Hughes told the club's website.

"He's got a little bit of an issue that we're going to try and manage initially. Obviously, if that doesn't work he will probably need the knee seeing to. We're hopeful that, with the work that he's doing the medical team, we'll be able to settle it down and he'll be able to play again.

"Marko is also unavailable as he's got a hamstring strain that will keep him out for a couple of weeks."

However, Stoke have been boosted by the news that midfielder Stephen Ireland will be available for selection against Everton after overcoming a knee injury.