Potters receive Fuller boost
26 Jun 2008 - 13:38:45
Stoke City have received some welcome news after learning that Ricardo Fuller's knee injury is not as bad as was first feared.
The Jamaica striker had already featured in three friendlies for his country before missing their World Cup qualifier with the Bahamas two weeks ago.
The former Preston North End, Portsmouth and Southampton forward is no stranger to knee ligament damage and initial fears suggested he could miss the start of the Premier League season.
But the 28-year-old is expected to be fit for the start of the Potters' first game back in the top-flight, to the delight of manager Tony Pulis.
"He's had a small operation on his knee and we're being told it went well," he told the club's official website.
"They're telling us they didn't find any serious problems in there and that obviously comes as a great relief.
"Although the news is clearly good from America, we've been told we've got to go steady with Ric for the first week or ten days of pre-season training.
"But the main factor is that, all being well, Ric should be in the right shape to start the season come August 16. I'm sure that's what everyone wanted to hear."
