Stoke City is facing an injury setback just a week before their opening Championship match against Coventry City, as summer acquisition Sam Gallagher is now a doubt for his debut at the bet365 Stadium.
Gallagher, a 28-year-old striker who was signed from Blackburn Rovers last week for an undisclosed fee, played only 28 minutes in Stoke’s final pre-season friendly, a 1-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar. The former Southampton player, who was leading the attack alongside Million Mandoef and Lynden Gooch, went down with a calf issue just before the half-hour mark. After receiving treatment, he hobbled off the pitch and was substituted by Niall Ennis.
This injury raises concerns about Gallagher’s availability for the season opener against Coventry City. Despite his brief appearance, Stoke manager Steven Schumacher remains hopeful that the damage isn’t severe. Schumacher mentioned, “I’m not sure yet; he felt his calf tightening up and had to come off with a stiff calf.”
Additionally, Ryan Mmaee has encountered a new setback as he was nearing his return to the Stoke lineup after a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. Although Mmaee had resumed full training, he fell ill with tonsillitis, preventing his participation in a recent friendly against Bolton Wanderers.
