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Post by FullerMagic on Jul 12, 2008 9:21:52 GMT
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09:40 - 12 July 2008
Stoke have ruled striker Ricardo Fuller out of their opening pre-season friendlies, but he is on course to be fit for the start of their Premier League campaign at Bolton.Fuller, who is under the guidance of chief physio Dave Watson, is working his way back to fitness after a knee operation to cure lateral meniscus ligament damage he suffered representing Jamaica a month ago.
Fuller consulted US-based leading knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman and required only a minor operation.
City aren't putting a date on the his return for pre-season action, but he is definitely out of the game at Newcastle Town next Friday and the friendlies on the trip to Austria, against Nuremberg on July 22 and Bahrain on July 25.
Boss Tony Pulis said Fuller will avoid putting too much stress on the knee during the opening weeks of pre-season.
He said: "Ric is fine, he is doing loads of cycling and swimming and working in the weight room. That is what we will do in the next two or three weeks.
"I am hoping, at the back end of pre-season, he will be able to play some part in some games and then be available for Bolton. It could have been more serious, and we are pleased it is just a minor injury. He is an important player for us."
Pulis is closing in on new signings for next week, but a move for former loan player Carlo Nash looks unlikely at this stage as the keeper has revealed he has not heard from City.
The 34-year-old Wigan Athletic keeper hasn't given up on a return to the Potteries after helping Stoke to promotion.
City have targeted Sunderland keeper Martin Fulop, but Nash would be an option if Stoke fail to agree a deal for the 25-year-old Hungarian.
Nash was also an alternative to Fulop in March after the Sunderland keeper was recalled from his loan at Stoke before he could play a game.
Nash stepped in to play the last 10 games of the season, conceding just seven goals.
Nash has reported back for training with Wigan, but doesn't appear to be in Steve Bruce's first-team plans.
The keeper said: "I have another year left on my contract at Wigan, but if I can get away and play first-team football, then that is my prime objective.
"I am hopeful that some sort of agreement can be made, but I've not heard anything."
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