Stoke City team news: Galbraith suspended for Blackburn trip as Robins waits on Gallagher return

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Stoke City will be without Ethan Galbraith for Tuesday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers after the midfielder collected his fifth booking of the season against Preston North End.

Mark Robins must change his midfield for the Championship match at Ewood Park, which kicks off at 7.45pm GMT. Sam Gallagher is nearing a return, but his availability has not been confirmed.

Blackburn have received better news, with Harry Pickering fit to feature and Sam Morsy back from suspension.

Stoke City team news: Galbraith serves suspension

Galbraith’s booking in Saturday’s 2–0 win over Preston rules him out of the midweek fixture, interrupting a strong run for Robins’ side.

The Lancashire Telegraph reports that Stoke have won seven of their last 10 league matches, losing only once during that spell.

Svante Ingelsson’s return from injury gives Robins another midfield option. Million Manhoef also returned against Preston following compassionate leave, with the manager pleased by the contribution of his substitutes.

Gallagher nearing return as Cisse recovery continues

Gallagher could be available again soon after a spell out of the side. The former Blackburn striker has not played since scoring against Sheffield United on 19 September.

His return would strengthen Robins’ attacking options while Lamine Cisse recovers from the ankle injury he suffered against Bristol City.

The Sentinel reported that Christmas had been suggested as a recovery timescale for Cisse, although Robins hopes he can return sooner.

“Hopefully he will get back quicker than they’re suggesting. From my view he’s a big miss,” Robins said.

Eric Bocat has resumed running after a knee injury, while Robins also indicated that Aaron Cresswell was approaching a return.

Blackburn welcome back Morsy and Pickering

Tony Mowbray confirmed that Pickering trained on Monday after illness forced him off during Blackburn’s 4–0 defeat at Swansea.

The left-back’s withdrawal was not caused by an injury, and he is available against Stoke.

Morsy returns after serving a suspension for five bookings, while Scott Wharton is also available again after missing the Swansea match for family reasons.

Ryoya Morishita and Mathias Jorgensen remain unavailable, according to Blackburn’s official team-news update.

When is Blackburn vs Stoke City?

Blackburn host Stoke at Ewood Park on Tuesday 3 November, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.

Rovers are looking to respond to their defeat at Swansea, while Stoke arrive after beating Preston without conceding. Galbraith’s suspension guarantees at least one change to the visitors’ starting side.

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