Stoke City striker Michael Owen will reportedly undergo a new fitness programme in an attempt to put his injury problems behind him.

The 31-year-old, who joined the Potters on a free transfer in the summer, has struggled with a host of injuries in recent seasons. However, it is understood that the club have now set up a programme to prevent muscular damage.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis told reporters: "We do well here on injuries. I think we were the second best in the Premier League last year in terms of how few players we lost to muscle problems.

"That's because we work hard. The players do a lot of pre-work ­before we train, never mind before games. We are very conscious that a lot of problems, whether hamstrings or whatever, actually come from the back. We work hard at strengthening those areas."

Owen has made just two appearances for Stoke this season.