Stoke Manager Pelach Welcomes Gooch’s Return, Updates on Other Injured Players

Stoke City manager Narcis Pelach has expressed his satisfaction regarding Lynden Gooch’s return to the team. Gooch transferred to Stoke from Sunderland in September 2023. The USA international defender recently appeared as an unused substitute during the team’s 2-0 loss to Burnley on Saturday. This marked his return after being sidelined for nearly two months due to a medial ligament injury. Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Pelach stated, “It’s good to have another player recover and it’s the first time I’ve seen him training as since I’ve been here he’s been injured.” He added, “I’m pleased to have him back and it’s good to have another option.” Pelach also conveyed optimism about the imminent availability of Sam Gallagher and Bosun Lawal. Lawal, a defender, has not yet featured for the first team since his August transfer from Celtic, following a medical examination that identified a stress fracture in his back. Concurrently, forward Gallagher, who joined from Blackburn Rovers in August, has participated in only three Championship matches before sustaining a calf injury against Swansea in early October. Pelach further commented on their progress, saying, “Sam and Bosun are getting close – they’re going to do some training with the team but not full training, it will be modified and hopefully we’ll have them soon.”