Crouch to return for Stoke

Stoke striker Peter Crouch is expected to be back in contention for Monday’s Barclays Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

Crouch missed the defeat at Manchester City on Wednesday through illness and has also had to deal with a burglary at his home.

Glenn Whelan (calf) is again doubtful but his fellow midfielder Matthew Etherington could return after a slight strain and defender Ryan Shawcross is back from suspension.

Provisional squad: Sorensen, Woodgate, Shawcross, Upson, Huth, Wilson, Shotton, Whitehead, Whelan, Etherington, Palacios, Jones, Jerome, Walters, Crouch, Fuller, Pennant, Delap, Diao, Arismendi, Higginbotham, Wilkinson, Begovic.