Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has insisted that Jonathan Walters remains a key member of his side, despite uncertainty over his future at the club towards the end of the transfer window.
The forward reportedly put in a transfer request in a bid to force through a move to Norwich City after contract talks with the Potters stalled.
Walters was left out of Stoke's match against West Bromwich Albion a fortnight ago as speculation mounted over his situation, but Hughes has confirmed that the 31-year-old will return for the trip to Arsenal this Saturday.
"His immediate future and his future at the weekend is that he will be involved with our game against Arsenal," the Welshman told Sky Sports News.
"Jon's not the only player that's gone through a similar situation during the transfer window. Once the window closes you have to refocus and get on with the job in hand.
"Jon's a very, very good professional. He'll get his head down. He's had a couple of weeks away with the international squad, did really well and scored a goal so it shows his focus was total for his international team. It will be similar for Stoke City; I'm absolutely certain of that."
Walters has a year remaining on his deal at the Britannia Stadium.
Steven Toplis
