Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed that Stephen Ireland will be out for "a couple of weeks" with a pulled hamstring.
The midfielder suffered the problem during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Newcastle United.
Ireland will now miss tomorrow's clash with former club Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium.
"Stephen has unfortunately pulled his hamstring so he is going to be out for a couple of weeks, which is a disappointment," Hughes told the club's official website. "It is a real shame because he has come into the team with Bojan (Krkic) out injured and has done really well for us."
Stoke, who are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games, currently sit in 10th place in the table.
