Blow for Stoke as Shawcross facing two month spell on the sidelines

The injury hampered the 27-year-old’s involvement last season, but the club had been hopeful that surgery would not be required.

Stoke hoped rest would avoid the need for an operation but, while that initially seemed the case, the harder Shawcross pushed himself in pre-season the more discomfort he felt.

Without Shawcross in the Premier League, Stoke have won 11 games, drawn nine and lost 13.

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has been told the money is there if he feels the need to bring in a replacement for Ryan Shawcross.

Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross Sidelined for 2 Months.

Which matches will he miss?

The news will be a huge blow for the club, who rely on Shawcross in the centre of their solid defence, but will be a massive boost to Liverpool who face the Potters on the opening weekend of the season. He will also miss home fixtures against West Brom and Leicester but he could be back for the clash against Aston Villa on 3 October.

Marc Wilson, Marc Muniesa and Philipp Wollscheid could all provide cover.

However, Hughes may now try and bring in another central defender before the transfer window closes on Tuesday 1 September.