Stoke City face an anxious wait over the fitness of midfielder Ethan Galbraith after the 25-year-old was substituted in the 65th minute of Northern Ireland's goalless draw with Georgia on Monday, clutching his hamstring as he left the pitch.

A difficult international window for Galbraith

The window had already been disrupted for Galbraith before the Georgia game. He had missed Northern Ireland's previous fixture against Ukraine after returning home for the birth of his son, rejoining the squad only to pick up the apparent hamstring complaint in Monday's match.

Hamstring injuries vary considerably in severity, and Stoke will hope assessments this week confirm it is at the minor end of the spectrum. No diagnosis has been made public at the time of writing.

Galbraith started the match alongside his Stoke team-mate Justin Devenny, who has been in fine form of late. Devenny scored twice on his debut for the Potters, and his presence in the Northern Ireland squad alongside Galbraith underlined the club's growing footprint in the international game.

What is at stake for Stoke

Stoke return to Championship action on Saturday when they travel to Bolton Wanderers, kick-off 15:00, looking to extend what has grown into a five-match unbeaten run. That run has lifted spirits considerably among supporters and staff after a difficult recent period for the club, and losing Galbraith to injury would be a notable setback heading into a run of fixtures that could define the shape of Stoke's season.

The Potters have spoken in recent weeks about squad depth being central to their brighter form, but a hamstring absence of any length would test that resource. Galbraith, when fit, has been a consistent presence in the middle of the park for Stoke this season, and replacing his energy and passing range is not straightforward.

The international injury problem

Stoke are not alone in this. Championship clubs regularly send players away on international duty with little control over workloads, training methods or the medical decisions made when knocks occur. The division has no parachute cushion to absorb the cost of a key player lost for several weeks, and clubs at this level feel such absences sharply in terms of both results and transfer budget pressure come January.

Whether Galbraith makes the trip to Bolton remains to be seen. If he does not, supporters and coaching staff will be watching the medical update closely. A scan result would normally be expected within 48 to 72 hours of the injury occurring, meaning Stoke should have a clearer picture before the end of the week.

For now, it is a concern rather than a confirmed crisis, but one that the club will not be taking lightly given the momentum they are working hard to protect.

Frequently asked

Is Ethan Galbraith injured?
Galbraith was substituted in the 65th minute of Northern Ireland's draw with Georgia on Monday holding his hamstring. Stoke City have not yet confirmed the extent of the injury.
Will Galbraith play for Stoke at Bolton on Saturday?
That is currently uncertain. Stoke are expected to assess the injury this week, with a clearer picture likely once scan results are available ahead of the 15:00 kick-off on Saturday.
Who else played for Northern Ireland from Stoke City?
Justin Devenny also started for Northern Ireland alongside Galbraith in the goalless draw with Georgia during the international break.