Mark Hughes: 'Bojan Krkic closing in on return'

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has claimed that Bojan Krkic is close to making his long-awaited return from injury.

A promising first campaign with the Potters was ended prematurely when the former Barcelona forward suffered cruciate ligament damage in January, but the 24-year-old was back training with his teammates before the start of the season.

However, Stoke boss Mark Hughes is unlikely to recall Bojan until Tuesday's League Cup clash with Luton Town, rather than hand him an opportunity against Norwich City on Saturday.

"I've had conversations with Bojan so he knows my thinking in terms of where he is and what he needs to do," Hughes told reporters.

"He's progressing really well. But I'm mindful we've got a game on Tuesday as well, and a number of guys will be involved in that.

"Whether I involve him at the weekend or wait to give him more significant time on Tuesday, we'll just have to wait and see."

Bojan scored four goals in 16 appearances last season.