Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has claimed that striker Michael Owen is unlikely to feature for the Potters against Everton this weekend.

The former Manchester United forward has been unable to find his rhythm at the Britannia Stadium since moving to the club on a free transfer from Old Trafford due to a host of injuries.

Despite admitting that he came through a behind-closed-doors friendly "unscathed", Pulis is not ready to include the 32-year-old in his squad.

"We have maybe pushed Michael a little bit too hard at times so we want to give him another week and maybe fit another game in for him in that time too," Pulis told the club's official website.

Stoke currently sit ninth in the Premier League table.