Stoke boss Mark Hughes has a trio of midfielders unavailable for the Barclays Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at the Britannia Stadium.
Brek Shea, who sustained medial ligament damage in pre-season, is not yet ready to return to action, nor is Wilson Palacios after he was taken out of the starting line-up for last weekend's 1-0 loss at Liverpool at the last minute and underwent what the Potters will only describe as "a minor surgical procedure".
The other absentee for the Palace match - Hughes' first competitive home fixture as Stoke manager - is Jamie Ness due to an unspecified problem.
Winger Jason Puncheon could go straight into Crystal Palace's side for Saturday's trip to Stoke following his season-long loan move from Southampton.
Jerome Thomas, however, is still out with an ankle injury, as is midfielder Yannick Bolasie (hamstring).
Captain Paddy McCarthy (groin) continues his rehabilitation, along with forward Glenn Murray (knee).
Mark Hughes is yet to get his first win of the campaign as Stoke boss following his arrival in the summer, replacing long-standing manager Tony Pulis.
Similar to Stoke's poor start, this weekend's visitors began their season in the top flight with defeat to Chelsea, which resulted in manager Ian Holloway being charged by the Football Association for his comments regarding the match officials.
Asmir Begovic is expected to start in goal for the home side following his impressive performance at Anfield last weekend, with Peter Crouch leading the line.
Holloway could keep Dwight Gayle up front, with Marouane Chamakh placed on the bench.
Stoke City (4-4-2, probable): Begovic; Cameron, Huth, Shawcross, Pieters; Pennant, Nzonzi, Adam, Etherington; Crouch, Walters.
Out: Ness (knock), Palacios (illness), Shea (knee).
Crystal Palace (4-3-3, probable): Speroni, Ward, Gabbidon; Delaney, Moxey; Dikgacoi; Jedinak; Garvan; Gayle, Chamakh, Puncheon.
Out: Parr (ankle/foot), McCarthy (groin), Price (knock), Bolasie (hamstring), Thomas (ankle), Murray (knee).
Referee: Andre Marriner
