Stoke forward Mamady Sidibe could be back in action before Christmas, boss Tony Pulis has confirmed.
The Potters had initially feared the 30-year-old frontman would be out of the season after he damaged his Achilles tendon during the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.
However, Sidibe’s operation has been successful and Pulis is now hoping the player will be back for the second half of the Premier League campaign.
He told the club’s official website: “It is still a massive blow for the kid because he has not long recovered from a cruciate knee injury, and this has really taken him back again, so we are all feeling for him.
“But he is a great lad and we will all give him a cuddle and stick by him. He is strong and will come through this, but it is a major disappointment for us because he is an important player for us.”