Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen could miss this weekend's Premier League match against Manchester City due to a head injury that he suffered while on international duty.

The former Liverpool player was forced off the pitch in the first half of Wales's 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland after colliding with David Meyler and James McClean.

The extent of Allen's injury is uncertain, but there have been suggestions that he suffered concussion, which according to Football Association rules means that he is not allowed to play until six days after the incident.

Stoke assistant manager Mark Bowen told reporters: "Joe is an early doubt, but we are still hopeful on him for the weekend. We didn't see any real need to get him in this morning, so fingers crossed he is ok and available for the game on Saturday.

"There is protocol to follow with injuries of this nature, which we will of course follow - the doctor will go around later today to see him, but he will come back in on Thursday and we will assess him then."

Allen has started all seven of the Potters' Premier League games this season.