Stoke City fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic as 20-year-old playmaker Bae Junho has made a return to training ahead of this weekend’s crucial Championship match against Watford. After missing Stoke’s final pre-season friendlies and their Championship opener against Coventry due to a thigh strain, Junho’s potential return comes as a significant boost for the Potters, who have been managing several injury concerns.
Junho, who has been sidelined since pre-season, also missed Stoke’s Carabao Cup fixture against Carlisle United earlier this week. The club’s medical team opted to err on the side of caution, not wanting to risk further injury to the talented midfielder. However, after joining the squad in training today, Junho will undergo a thorough assessment tomorrow to determine whether he is fit enough to be included in the squad traveling to Vicarage Road. Even if cleared, it’s likely that Junho will start from the bench as Stoke seeks to gradually ease him back into action.
Stoke City manager Steven Schumacher provided an update during his press conference this afternoon, expressing optimism about Junho’s recovery. “Junho has trained today and he could potentially be involved at some stage this weekend if he comes through today’s session and tomorrow unscathed, which is good,” Schumacher said. This cautious approach underscores the importance of ensuring Junho’s fitness for the long season ahead while also recognizing the immediate need for creative reinforcements.
In addition to Junho’s situation, there are questions surrounding Ryan Mmaee’s availability for the Watford match. Originally slated for a 45-minute run-out with the under-21s against Leeds United on Friday, the plan may be altered to include him in the first team’s trip to Watford. Schumacher elaborated on the decision-making process: “We had a chat about that. There’s another under-21s game next week, so Ryan could potentially be in the squad for Saturday. We just need to manage his minutes and figure out what’s the best course of action.”
The manager’s cautious approach reflects a delicate balance between managing Mmaee’s recovery and ensuring the first team is as competitive as possible. “We need to be careful with him, but we also want to make sure we’re as strong as we possibly can be as well. We’ll have that conversation later when we finalize the squad,” Schumacher added.
Unfortunately, the injury concerns don’t end there for Stoke City. Andre Vidigal, who missed the Carlisle game due to a sore foot, remains out of contention for the Watford match. Goalkeeper Jack Bonham, recovering from a minor wrist fracture, will not be risked unless absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, Enda Stevens and Michael Rose are targeting a return to training by the end of the month as they work their way back to full fitness. Sam Gallagher, who is nursing a calf strain, also continues his recovery.
The injury list has undoubtedly posed challenges for Stoke City as they navigate the early stages of the season. However, the potential return of Junho, coupled with careful management of other key players, could provide the necessary boost to help them secure a positive result at Vicarage Road. As the squad continues to recover and strengthen, Schumacher and his team will be aiming to build momentum in their pursuit of a successful Championship campaign.
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