Stoke injury news: Jack Butland gives update on his injury and confirms he is back in training after nearly nine months out
Potters fans will be eager for the return of the England stopper who fractured his ankle during 3-2 Germany triumph in March
JACK BUTLAND is back in training as Stoke fans await his return from injury.
The England stopper, 23, was carried off during England's 3-2 win over Germany in March and has faced a lengthy road back to fitness.
But he has now let fans know he is back training with the squad - but won't be returning to action just yet.
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Butland has a long history of injuries and returned to see a specialist after experiencing more discomfort from the ankle injury in October.
He underwent surgery at the start of this season to try and clear up the problem but progress has been slow.
The stopper joined Stoke from Birmingham City in a £4m deal in 2013, establishing himself as first-choice at the Potters after Asmir Begovic left for Chelsea.
And Butland tweeted: "joining in fully with all the team now, feels so good to be back involved! just got to get the sharpness back up".
Stoke travel to Watford this weekend looking to regain their form after a 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last time out.
Mark Hughes' men had put a horror start to the season behind them - going six unbeaten before the Cherries came to town.