Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that Bojan Krkic is not yet ready for a return to the first team as he continues his recovery from injury.

The Spaniard suffered a serious knee injury in the FA Cup in January and missed the remainder of last season.

He returned during the club's pre-season preparations, but missed the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool yesterday.

Hughes told the club's website: "He definitely needs another couple of weeks because he isn't quite up to speed for Premier League football just yet.

"He would have loved to have been involved I'm sure, but we want to make sure he is fit and ready when we do bring him back into the squad. I'm sure it won't be long until he is ready and available to go again."

Bojan joined from Barcelona last summer.