Stoke boss Tony Pulis may have to call on Belgian teenager Ritchie De Laet for the visit of Colchester after injury decimated his defence.
The 18-year-old has yet to feature for the Potters since his move from Royal Antwerp but could be handed a debut after Gabriel Zakuani became the latest defender on the Britannia Stadium treatment table.
However, De Laet is likely to be on the bench if Carl Dickinson is passed fit to start at left-back, with Andy Wilkinson moving into the centre to partner Ryan Shawcross.
Zakuani was forced out of the 1-1 draw at West Brom in midweek with a hamstring injury which will keep him out for at least a fortnight, while Clint Hill is a month away from a return from his broken rib.
Rory Delap could come back into the equation after his groin injury but John Eustace will hope to keep his place in midfield after impressing at The Hawthorns.
Vincent Pericard will again be in the squad after his recent jail sentence for perverting the course of justice and will be hoping to get on for his first action of the season.
Colchester will give Kevin McLeod a late fitness check.
The winger missed Wednesday night's 4-2 win over QPR after coming down with flu, with Danny Granville handed a rare start on the left of midfield.
Goalkeeper Aidan Davison is close to being fit following a groin strain but could struggle to oust Dean Gerken once again.
Veteran striker Teddy Sheringham is being nursed back to full fitness following a hamstring strain and will not be risked, while midfielder Kevin Watson has suffered a slight setback in his recovery from Achilles trouble.
Hungarian defender Bela Balogh is pushing for a place in the squad after a hamstring injury.
England Under-17 winger Medy Elito was named on the bench for the first time against Rangers and will hope to be involved again.
