Stoke manager Tony Pulis fears left-back Danny Higginbotham may miss the remainder of the season because of a back injury.

Higginbotham is definitely out of the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday at Craven Cottage after suffering the setback in the victory over Blackburn last weekend.

Striker James Beattie is also sidelined with a thigh injury while right-back Andy Wilkinson remains doubtful because of a back problem.

Pulis said: "Danny has hurt one of the discs in his back and could need an operation. We might have seen the last of him this season.

"As for Beattie, he will not be fit for Fulham while there is a question mark over Wilkinson."

With striker Mamady Sidibe absent with a knee problem - Amdy Faye and Salif Diao are also injured - Pulis is short of options, especially up front.

"Beattie and Ricardo Fuller have looked a threat together, so it is a case of finding the right balance with Sidibe unavailable, " said the Stoke boss.

"Everyone wants to play in the team and it is a blow for us. The last thing you want at this time of year is injuries."