Stoke shocker as Ryan Shawcross surgery rules him out of Liverpool and further two months

Ryan Shawcross is set for a lengthy absence

STOKE captain Ryan Shawcross is due to have back surgery and will miss the first two months of the Premier League season at least.

 

Shawcross, 25, has only played 65 minutes during a stuttering pre-season because of the ongoing problem and was sent for scans to asses the extent of the damage.

He was already almost certain to miss Stoke's Premier League opener with Liverpool but the news confirms a lengthy absence is now likely.

 

Potters chairman Peter Coates says no-one is to blame for the injury but remains concerned by the situation.

Despite ongoing issues, it was previously thought an operation would not be required but all other options appear to have been exhausted.

"Of course we are disappointed with the situation, but no blame is attached to anyone," he said.

 

"The view from people who understand these things was that they thought he would be okay. We thought the management he was having was going to work.

"But what they did previously was the right thing. You do not want to be talking about operating on somebody until you have exhausted all other routes.

"It's a big thing to be messing about with somebody's back and I'm sure the medical personnel did all the right things.

"I'm afraid these things happen in sport and we are not blaming anybody."