Stoke City have been handed a double boost for their English Championship clash with Coventry City on Wednesday night with the return to fitness of both John Mikel Obi and Nick Powell.
Powell was on the end of a poor challenge during the goalless draw with Preston at the weekend but his manager confirmed that the midfielder has recovered from that heavy knock to take his place in the Stoke City starting line-up for the Coventry City game. O’Neill made this known during his pre-match presser earlier in the week as his team stepped up preparations for the Coventry game.
On the challenge that initially made Powell a doubt for the game, O’Neill said he has watched it again and can’t understand why the referee didn’t take action.
He also confirmed the availability of experienced Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi who experienced some tightness at the end of the Preston match. According to him, the ex-Chelsea player would be fit for the Coventry game.
Stoke City face an in-form Coventry City team that has done well to move away from the relegation zone with successive victories over hosts Rotherham United and visitors Barnsley. They were 1-0 winners away to Rotherham United courtesy the second half goal from Norwegian player Leo SkiriOstigaard. That win was followed by the 2-0 win at home to Barnsley over the weekend. The victories have moved Coventry nine points clear of Rotherham United who occupy the third and final spot in the relegation zone.