Ben Pearson, the 29-year-old midfielder for Stoke City, is expected to be sidelined for approximately four months following close-season surgery to address a persistent hamstring injury. Pearson had initially hoped to avoid surgery for the issue that kept him out for the last few weeks of the previous season. However, the severity of the problem necessitated a procedure that entails a lengthy recovery period. This timeline means Pearson will likely miss the first ten games of the new season, compounded by the absence of pre-season training.
Pearson initially joined Stoke on loan from Bournemouth in January 2023, reuniting with his former Preston manager Alex Neil. He secured a permanent move to the club last summer for a fee estimated at under £500,000, signing a four-year contract. Despite high hopes, Pearson’s season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 22 league starts. His campaign ended prematurely in mid-March after he hobbled off during a home defeat to Norwich City. Commenting on Pearson’s situation, Steven Schumacher expressed his disappointment and frustration, noting that Pearson had been working with the club’s physios throughout the summer, but an undiagnosed issue with his hamstring ultimately required surgical intervention.
Schumacher acknowledged the tough break for Pearson but emphasized the necessity for the midfielder to focus on his rehabilitation. Despite the setback, Schumacher remains optimistic about Pearson’s recovery, trusting that he is in capable hands and will return to the pitch as soon as possible. In the meantime, Stoke City is not lacking in central midfield options, with players like Josh Laurent, Wouter Burger, Jordan Thompson, Lewis Baker, and Daniel Johnson available, alongside promising talent Sol Sidibe.
In addition to addressing the midfield depth, Schumacher has bolstered the squad by signing Viktor Johansson, Ben Gibson, and Eric Bocat, with the latter joining on a four-year contract for a fee believed to be around £1 million from Sint-Truidense in Belgium. Pearson’s absence during pre-season is a significant blow, as it would have been a crucial period for him to solidify his place as a key player for the upcoming term. Nevertheless, Schumacher remains pragmatic, encouraging Pearson to remain focused on his rehabilitation to ensure he returns to full fitness when ready.
Ryan Mmaee, another player dealing with a hamstring injury, is expected to return around the final week of pre-season, having missed the last month of the previous season.