James Beattie is by no means assured of a return to the starting lineup for Stoke’s home game with West Ham this weekend. The striker missed the trip to Fulham on Saturday with a thigh muscle injury and is currently given a 50-50 chance of being available for the Hammers clash.
Stoke are set to leave the decision until the very last moment – not good news for his many fantasy owners.
“The injury is progressing,” remarks Beattie, “but I don’t really know what the crack will be come the weekend. We’ll have to wait and see, but hopefully I’m in with a shout”.
His absence would be a major blow to Stoke and his fantasy owners. After the home game with West Ham, Beattie still has a couple of attractive fixtures (hul WIG ars) but that might not be enough to warrant sticking with the Stoke man for the crucial run-in.
