Michael O’Neill offered an encouraging injury update on Joe Allen and Thibaud Verlinden as he reflected on Stoke City’s return to training.
The Potters squad returned to Clayton Wood last week to work in small groups with strict social distancing measures and following the protocol put in place by the EFL.
Long-term injury victims Allen (ruptured Achilles tendon) and Verlinden (cruciate ligament) weren’t among those out on the grass but boss O’Neill is pleased with the progress they are making.
Speaking exclusively to Stoke City+, O’Neill revealed: “Joe is walking, which is good. On the first day I saw him he was walking with the aid of crutches and now he’s walking without crutches.
“It’s a slow process for Joe, really. It’s just getting moving again. He’s been in a boot for a long time, which means muscle wastage which builds up over time but it’s nice to see him again at the training ground.
“Thibaud looks good. His knee has healed well, the scar. He’s been running on the AlterG treadmill and the next stage for him is to start running outside, which will be good for him as well.
“For the long-term injuries it’s been difficult for the players.
“The medical team have done a great job in maintaining that contact with those players during lockdown. They’ve had them in when it’s been feasible to do it.
“And the players have clearly applied themselves well as well.”