Stoke City striker eyeing return after fearing season was over

Stoke City striker Róbert Boženík is targeting a return to action before the end of the season after initially fearing his campaign had been cut short by a serious shoulder injury.
The Slovak international suffered the injury during a New Year’s Day fixture, shortly after scoring his first goal for the club. The incident left Boženík in visible distress, requiring oxygen treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off, raising immediate concerns over the severity of the problem.
Further medical assessment confirmed a significant shoulder injury that required surgery, ruling him out for an extended period and casting doubt over his availability for the remainder of the season.
However, Boženík has made encouraging progress in his rehabilitation in recent weeks. The forward has remained positive throughout his recovery process and is now pushing towards a return to full fitness.
Speaking about his situation, Boženík expressed determination to play again this season, while Stoke’s medical team are understood to be pleased with how his recovery is progressing.
Head coach Steven Schumacher has also welcomed the positive update, though he stressed that the club will not rush the striker back before he is fully fit.
Stoke have navigated a challenging campaign in the EFL Championship, and Boženík’s potential return could provide a timely boost in the final stages of the season.
While no exact return date has been confirmed, the 24-year-old is believed to be nearing the final phase of his recovery, raising hopes that he could feature again before the campaign concludes.
What once appeared to be a season-ending injury may now offer Boženík the chance for a late impact as Stoke look to finish strongly.