Shawcross worry for Potters

Stoke are worried about the fitness of defender Ryan Shawcross ahead of their upcoming Premier League visit to Arsenal. Shawcross has a groin problem, and limped off during the goalless draw at Blackburn last Saturday. He will be assessed later on Monday.

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Shawcross: Doubtful for Arsenal.

Potters manager Tony Pulis told Stoke's website that: "Ryan felt something in his groin, so we pulled him off as soon as possible.''

Midfielder Dean Whitehead will definitely be missing for the Potters after picking up his fifth caution of the season. This is doubly disappointing for Pulis, as he was especially pleased with Whitehead's performance at the weekend.

"I thought Dean produced possibly the best game he has had for us and although he missed two good chances, at the same time when we were tiring a bit at the end he was there stopping Brett Emerton from winning the game for them,'' Pulis said.

"Obviously, it will be a blow to lose him for the Arsenal match, but we have players waiting in the wings to come in and show us what they can do.

"So it will be an opportunity for someone to come in and do that.''