Stoke City manager Mark Robins expressed optimism regarding the team’s recovery as they work to reintegrate players returning from injury and suspension. Currently sitting 10th in the Championship following a three-game winless streak, Robins noted a positive shift in the team’s dynamics.
“We’ve got Ben Gibson and Ben Wilmot back from injury, which strengthens us significantly,” Robins stated during an interview with BBC Radio Stoke. “With the return of Bosun Lawal following suspension and our new signing Milan Smit, we have four players who weren’t available last week, so things are definitely moving in the right direction.”
Twenty-two-year-old striker Milan Smit, who recently joined on loan from the Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, is expected to bolster Stoke’s offense. Robins highlighted Smit’s eagerness to be with the team, pointing out that the young striker has experience in European competitions, where he demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities.
“He showed a real hunger to join us,” Robins said. “It’s impressive that we could bring him in at this stage, especially since he was active in European competitions. He is adapting to the English game, which can be quite surprising, particularly in the Championship, but I am pleased with his early contributions.”
Stoke City is set to face Southampton in the Championship this Saturday at 12:30 GMT, and fans are hopeful that the return of key players will lead to a turnaround in the team’s fortunes. With the support of both returning players and new signings, there is a growing sense of optimism around the club as they look to improve their standing in the league.