Mark Hughes: 'Jese Rodriguez unavailable for game against Tottenham Hotspur'

Mark Hughes has confirmed that Jese Rodriguez will not be available for Stoke City's weekend game against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Spaniard has returned home to Gran Canaria to be with his baby son Nyam, who was born premature and has been fighting for his life in hospital.

Hughes admitted that Jese was in his plans to make more appearances over the busy festive period but is now unsure when the 24-year-old will be back in action.

"Unfortunately he's not available this weekend because he's had to go back, which is a real worry for him and everybody concerned," Hughes told reporters on Thursday. "We send him and his family our best wishes.

"My intention with the games we have coming up was to involve him more along with other players to share the burden with the players who have been playing more regularly.

"Obviously at the moment we're not quite sure when Jese will be back. But he's still very much in my thoughts, as are the likes of Saido Berahino and Charlie Adam."

Jese lost his place in the Stoke side after the 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth in October and has made just two short substitute appearances since.