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Stoke's Robert Huth set to miss rest of the season with injury
STOKE have been dealt a blow after learning that German defender Robert Huth is unlikely to feature again this season.
Huth picked up a knee injury in November which required surgery and while he played 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly on February 25, he remains some way off returning for the Potters' matchday squad.
Stoke chairman Peter Stokes told The Sentinel: "It is my understanding that it is very unlikely he will feature again this season.
"If that is the case, then all the focus now is getting him ready for next season."
Marc Wilson has been deputising at centre-half in the Huth's absence, and Coates added: "It will be good to have him (Huth) available again because, along with Ryan Shawcross and Asmir Begovic, he has long been part of the backbone of our team.
"But the fact we have done so well without him is a tribute to the team in general and to Marc Wilson in particular."
Stoke are six points clear of the relegation zone in 12th place with nine games left to go this term.