Stoke winger Etherington could make speedy return after knee injury

Stoke are hopeful key midfielder Matthew Etherington could return to action within weeks.   Etherington suffered a knee injury in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Manchester City but a scan has revealed no serious ligament damage.   Manager Tony Pulis told the club's website: 'The news is as good as it could be at this stage.   Wing wizard: Stoke's Matthew Etherington in action (above, centre left) and carried off on a stretcher after injury against Manchester City (below) 'If the cruciate ligament had been damaged then it would have been a long lay-off, but we're now hoping that he will be back in action sooner rather than later.'Stoke will now allow the injury to settle down before determining the exact length of the 28-year-old's absence. Mancini: Man City must combat Delap to topple Stoke and gatecrash top fourManchester City new boy Vieira: I've missed playing teams like StokeSTOKE v Man City: Fit again Faye recovers but injured Etherington is outSTOKE CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail