Stoke City are facing a major defensive selection problem ahead of their Championship trip to Wrexham, with manager Mark Robins left to assess limited options at centre-back. As things stand, Bosun Lawal is the only fully fit senior central defender available, although he was deployed at right-back in the previous match. The shortage has been caused by a combination of suspensions and injuries. Ashley Phillips is unavailable after being suspended, while Ben Gibson has suffered a groin issue. Ben Wilmot is also sidelined with a calf injury, and Maksym Talovierov remains out due to an ankle problem.
Because of this crisis, Robins may need to rely on younger or less conventional alternatives. One possibility is handing a debut to 18-year-old Pijus Otegbayo, a promising academy player who originally joined as a striker before being converted into a defender. Otegbayo, who is the brother of Sheffield Wednesday player Gabriel Otegbayo, has also represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level and is considered a player with strong potential.
Another option for Robins is to move players out of their natural positions to patch up the defence. Aaron Cresswell, normally a left-back, was shifted into the centre of defence during last weekend’s game against Blackburn Rovers. Veteran midfielder Steven Nzonzi could also be considered for the role, despite only having played three matches as a centre-half during his long career—once for Blackburn in 2011 and twice while playing in Qatar in 2022.
Getting the defensive setup right will be crucial against a dangerous Wrexham side led by experienced striker Kieffer Moore. He is usually supported in attack by players such as Josh Windass, Ollie Rathbone, and Lewis O’Brien, making Wrexham a side capable of causing serious problems.
There was, however, some encouraging news for Stoke on the fitness front. Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and striker Robert Bozenik have both made good progress in training this week. Johansson has returned to work on the grass and hopes to play again before the end of the season, while Bozenik could potentially be available for selection either against Wrexham or in the following home fixture against Millwall.
Speaking about the situation, Robins joked that Johansson’s return might allow Stoke to “brick the goal off with two goalkeepers,” before admitting that such a tactic would not be permitted. He also welcomed Bozenik’s recovery and said several young players are waiting for opportunities. At the same time, he acknowledged that some squad members may have to fill unfamiliar roles.
Robins was particularly frustrated by Ashley Phillips’ recent red card, describing it as avoidable and admitting it had added to Stoke’s problems. Despite the setbacks, he stressed that the team still intends to remain competitive, play their usual style, and approach the game positively, even under difficult circumstances.
He also praised Wrexham, noting that they are not simply a hastily assembled squad. Instead, he said the club has recruited carefully, signing players with proven Championship experience and building a strong, competitive side.
Stoke’s defensive instability has become an ongoing issue over the past few months. Earlier in the season, the team enjoyed consistency with a settled back five, but injuries and suspensions have since forced constant changes. Right-back Junior Tchamadeu also remains unavailable with a hamstring injury, adding to the club’s selection headache.
Robins admitted he now has to rethink his defensive approach completely because the “old way” is no longer possible. Nevertheless, he remains confident that Stoke can compete if the players stay focused, adapt intelligently, and perform at their highest level. He emphasized that those playing in unfamiliar positions cannot rely on instinct or routine—they must think carefully throughout the match.
Despite the adversity, Robins ended on a determined note, insisting that Stoke must embrace the challenge and give everything against Wrexham.
