Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Hughes concern for Bojan

Mark Hughes admits he is concerned for Bojan Krkic after the Stoke forward came off injured having gone down in agony unchallenged in the 4-1 FA Cup win at Rochdale.

Bojan went off injured in the first half after going down unchallenged

Bojan went off injured in the first half after going down unchallenged

The 24-year-old, who has now scored five goals since his move from Barcelona, hammered a left-foot-volley past Josh Lillis from 20 yards to set Stoke on their way to the fifth round.

But soon after, the in-form forward hobbled off with a knee injury and Hughes hopes the Spaniard, who has been in fine form of late, is not out for a long time.

"There is a concern there for us," Hughes said. "We don't know how bad it is. He has gone back home and we will check him in the morning. He is due for a scan so hopefully he will be okay.

"Hopefully if the scan is clear he will be okay and it is just a short-term thing but at the moment it's a concern for us.

"[Bojan's goal] was fantastic. He showed his qualities once again and it will be disappointing if we lose him for any length of time, but if you do others have to step up to the mark."

Hughes is relishing a trip to his former club Blackburn in the fifth round, where he managed from 2004 and 2008. 

"It will be good to go back. I have good memories of my time there and there are lots of people I know still there."

Rochdale manager Keith Hill admits Stoke were too good for his side, despite a fighting display in spells.

Hill said: "We tried to attack with intent and press the opposition but they are an excellent side.

"The game is marginal no matter where you stand in the pyramid. Fair play to Stoke, they were worthy winners in the end."

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