Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has claimed that the club will have to monitor Robert Huth closely ahead of his return in pre-season.

Huth was forced to undergo two operations on his knee after picking up an injury in November, and Hughes admits that the German must be cautious as he looks to make sure he is fully fit for the next Premier League campaign.

"You know Huthy, trying to keep tight reins on him is the big problem," the Stoke boss told reporters. "He's doing everything asked of him, and probably more.

"He's in a better place than he was because he was really frustrated with the injury earlier on when it wasn't resolving itself.

"You now with Robert that the work ethic is good and he will do everything within his power to get back as soon as possible."

Stoke finished ninth in the Premier League season.