Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill fears he may be without Sam Clucas for a while after he picked up an injury in the 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

The 30-year-old has captained the Potters in the continued absence of Ryan Shawcross, and has stepped up to the plate with impressive performances in the middle of the park.

But there was concern in the early minutes of the game as Clucas came under a heavy challenge from Boro's Sam Morsy - who he was teammates with at Chesterfield - and he had to be withdrawn minutes later.

O'Neill seemed concerned by the injury and it won't make Stoke fans feel any better knowing Clucas is sporting an air boot until a full diagnosis can be made of his injury.

"Sam is probably the one which gives us the most concern at this minute in time," O'Neill told the Stoke Sentinel regarding their increasing injury list.

"It happened very early in the game. He’s in a boot at the minute so we’ll see how he is in the next 24 to 48 hours."

Clucas wasn't the only Stoke player to come out of the game with battle scars, as both Nick Powell and Danny Batth picked up knocks during the game but could be fit for midweek.

The main concern though is Clucas, who seems like he will be out for significantly longer.

The Verdict

With fellow midfielders John Obi Mikel, Joe Allen and Jordan Thompson also sidelined, Clucas picking up an injury is the last thing that O'Neill needed right now.

The rapid number of games in quick succession is taking its toll on some EFL squads, and it looks like Stoke's treatment room is pretty full right now.

Considering he's in a protective boot, it's unlikely that Clucas will be available for at least the next few weeks, and that makes Stoke considerably weaker in the process.