Cruciate knee injury to brilliant Bojan a major Stoke set-back

Stoke City, even-money with Coral for a top 10 finish, have suffered a catastrophic season set-back after star man Bojan Krkic was ruled out for up to six months after limping out of their 4-1 FA Cup triumph over League One outfit Rochdale.

The sensational Spaniard struck a sumptuous volley in his side’s comfortable cup victory to help secure progression to the fifth round of this season’s competition, but the gloss was taken away after Stoke’s summer signing later hobbled off injured.

After spending the night in hospital it is reported that the in-form forward has been hit with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of this season.

Potters boss Mark Hughes was anxious about the 24-year-old’s problematic knee injury, which was picked up late in the first half after an awkward fall, but it is now clear he will be without his star player for the foreseeable future.

The mercurial Bojan left the Spotland Stadium on crutches on Monday night and was driven away before the cup clash had even finished.

Stoke’s super striker has been a revelation at the Britannia Stadium this term, playing a vital role in their climb into the Premier League’s top 10 places. The former Barcelona prospect has netted three times in his last five outings in all competitions, including some crucial match-winning domestic league strikes.

Brilliant Bojan slotted home the winning goals in his side’s narrow 1-0 victories over both Everton and Leicester City, proving his importance to Hughes’ potent Potters.

Stoke’s superb Spaniard is a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia youth academy, going on to eventually feature for the Catalan giants in over 100 appearances before a surprise switch to Britannia last summer.

Bojan also spent last season on loan in the Dutch league with Ajax, striking four times in 28 outings during a lacklustre spell. Potters boss Hughes will now have an inferior outlet of attacking options with his his fantastic forward being ruled out for the majority of this current campaign.