Erik Pieters expected to miss Chelsea clash

Stoke City have confirmed that Erik Pieters is likely to miss the club's Premier League match against Chelsea this weekend after sustaining a groin injury.

The Dutch defender picked up the injury during the team's goalless draw with Cardiff City in midweek.

Manager Mark Hughes told the team's website: "At the moment I would say that it is doubtful that he will be fit enough in time to feature at the weekend, because of the nature of his injury.

"You never know, he may turn up tomorrow morning and feel fine, but at the moment that doesn't appear to be very likely.

"We will make a late decision on him though, it all depends upon how he is when he comes in on Saturday. If he isn't available then Marc [Muniesa], as he has already shown, is an equally as adept playing in that position too."

Stoke have lost just once in their last five Premier League outings.