Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Potters boss revealed: “Jack Butland won’t play - it’s a bit too soon for him. Last week was a shock and we were all a bit concerned.
“It’s settled down really well and there was possibly a chance he could feature, but it was never in my mind to rush him back in.”
Also on the subject of team news, Hughes added: “[Xherdan] Shaqiri has a problem with his calf, which we will check today. Apart from him and Glen Johnson, we’re in good health.”
Discussing the visitors, he declared: “We can’t think about Man City - we need to approach the game, think about ourselves and be at the best we can be.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but we have a decent home record against them. We need to be at our best.
“There is a feel-good factor with the arrival of Pep as manager - he’s been successful everywhere he’s been.
“I’ve only had one of my teams go up against Pep. It was a pre-season friendly which we won, hopefully that can carry on.”
Elsewhere in the world of football…
- Palace reach agreement for £27m Benteke [BBC Sport]
- Astra Giurgiu frustrate West Ham in Europa League [Guardian]
- Danny Drinkwater close to agreeing new deal with Leicester [Sky Sports]
- Joleon Lescott set to undergo medical at Rangers [Daily Express]
- Atletico Madrid want Arsenal to pay £56million for centre back Jose Gimenez [Marca]
