Ryan Mmaee has encountered another setback just as he was set to return to Stoke City’s squad for the first time in nearly four months. Mmaee, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury at the end of last season, has been dealing with a knee issue throughout the summer. He resumed full training on Thursday and was aiming to make his comeback in the friendly against Bolton Wanderers. However, he fell ill with tonsillitis on Sunday and was still running a fever yesterday.
Stoke City manager Steven Schumacher commented, “Ryan is suffering from tonsillitis. The doctor has treated him with antibiotics. It’s disappointing because we had planned to give him some playing time at Bolton. He missed Sunday and Monday’s sessions and is still feverish three days later. It’s a severe case of tonsillitis, and he wasn’t available.”
Mmaee’s illness is not expected to impact his long-term fitness or availability for the upcoming season. Schumacher noted that Mmaee had looked sharp in training and was enthusiastic about rejoining the team, but the illness has prevented him from participating as planned.
As Stoke City prepares for the new season, there is a palpable sense of change and renewal. With a new head coach, sporting director, and several new players, including Ben Gibson, Viktor Johansson, and Eric Bocat, the club is undergoing significant transformation. There are also updates to the stadium and training ground, as well as a revamped fan zone.
Despite a challenging few years with bottom-half finishes in the Championship, Steven Schumacher has been steering the team towards improvement, culminating in a strong finish last season. The club is now focused on building on this momentum with strategic signings and internal adjustments.
Stoke City’s 2024/25 season promises to be an exciting one, with a host of changes and new ambitions. For detailed insights on what to expect, check out the Stoke City 2024/25 Kick-Off special guide, featuring analysis of key players, rival clubs, and essential fixtures, ensuring fans are ready for the opening match against Coventry on August 10.
