Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill has revealed that Thibaud Verlinden sustained an ankle injury in last night's clash with Preston North End whilst Sam Clucas also picked up a knock.

The Potters, who are currently 21st in the Championship standings, could have moved seven points clear of the relegation zone last night by beating the Lilywhites.

However, despite initially a positive start to the game at the bet365 Stadium, Stoke slipped to a 2-0 defeat in-front of their own supporters.

Tyrese Campbell and Danny Batth both went close to opening the scoring for the Potters as they were denied by Preston goalkeeper Declan Rudd.

Following the break, Preston took the lead in the 58th minute as Alan Browne slotted home.

The visitors then doubled their advantage as Tom Barkhuizen netted his ninth goal of the season which effectively sealed all three points for his side.

O'Neill opted to bring Verlinden on in the closing stages of the game yet the midfielder's cameo only lasted seven minutes as he was forced off following a poor challenge from Darnell Fisher.

Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel after the clash about whether the 20-year-old will be able to play against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, the Northern Irishman said: "It's too early to say.

"It didn't look particularly good the way he came off.

"It's a poor challenge, to be honest, but in the defender's defence he doesn't really read Thibaud's step over.

"When he stands on him, it's a painful injury, there's no doubt about that.

"It's an ankle injury, but beyond that I'm not in a position to comment."

O'Neill confirmed that Clucas will be assessed after he picked up an injury against Preston.

The Stoke boss added: "Sam Clucas has a bit of a hip [problem]."

James McClean is also a doubt for this weekend's game with QPR due to an issue with his knee.

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The Verdict

Whilst it could be argued that Stoke may be able to cope without Verlinden in their showdown with the Hoops due to the fact that he has only made five appearances in the Championship this season, losing Clucas for this fixture would be a significant blow.

One of the Potters' stand-out performers in recent months, the midfielder has provided nine direct goal contributions in the second-tier for his side.

With McClean also facing a race to be fit for Saturday's clash, it will be intriguing to see whether O'Neill opts to take a risk by starting this particular duo.

Although Stoke need to bounce back from their defeat to Preston in order to steer clear of the relegation zone, it may not be worth playing McClean or Clucas if they are not match-fit.