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Ryan Shawcross in fight to be fit for Leicester clash as Mark Hughes bemoans Stoke injury problems

has bemoaned Stoke's persistent defensive injuries, with captain Ryan Shawcross the latest doubt.

The Potters have shipped 20 goals in 10 matches heading into Saturday's clash with Leicester, a number only topped by rock-bottom Crystal Palace.

That statistic may be inflated by the 7-2 thrashing from a rampant Manchester City side but it is still a poor return given the club's investment in three central defenders - Kurt Zouma, Kevin Wimmer and Bruno Martins Indi - in the summer.

All three have been unavailable at some point, while Shawcross is now battling a thigh complaint having already missed seven weeks of the season with a back problem.