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| Jon Walters will play against Arsenal |
STOKE manager Mark Hughes says Jonathan Walters is in his plans for their clash with Arsenal despite the striker’s contract stand-off.
Walters, whose current deal expires next summer, handed in a transfer request and was linked with moves to Leicester and Norwich on deadline day.
Talks over a new contract for the 31-year-old reached a stalemate because Walters wants a two-year extension, but the Potters only want to give him a one-year deal with a further 12 months dependent on appearances.
Hughes left Walters out of his matchday squad for their defeat to West Brom last time out, but confirmed he will part of the 18-man party for the trip to the Emirates Stadium.
“His immediate future is he’ll be involved in our game against Arsenal,” Hughes said.
“It’s one of those situations and he wasn’t the only one during the transfer widow.
“Jon’s a good professional, he’ll get his head down. He’s been away and his focus was good with the Ireland team and I’m certain it will be the same for us.
“I don’t feel I have to chat with him about it, if I’d seen a change in him then maybe. He’s in my thoughts for the weekend.”
Walters underlined his quality with a crucial winning goal for Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia during the week.
And Hughes remains desperate to keep him at the Britannia Stadium.
“I’ve said it until I’m blue in the face I want Jon to stay,” explained the Welshman.
“There’s a club view with the length of the contract but from the football view it’s important we keep Jon here.
“If we can’t come to an agreement he’ll have lots of options, but I hope we’re in the mix to keep him.”
Stoke have doubts over Mame Diouf (hamstring) and fellow forward Marko Arnautovic (ankle) plus defender Glen Johnson (groin) ahead of the clash with the Gunners.
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