Stoke v Tottenham preview
Hughes’s plan was always to give Butland at least two games towards the end of the season and, as a result, established number one Asmir Begovic has taken the opportunity to have what the manager described as “a slight procedure” which rules him out of this weekend.
Defender Geoff Cameron returns to the squad after missing the defeat at Swansea with a hamstring problem.
Tottenham will have midfielders Mousa Dembele (thigh) and Andros Townsend (foot) back in contention for Saturday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Stoke.
Right-back Kyle Walker will play no part at the Britannia Stadium as he continues his rehabilitation from a foot injury.
Left-back Ben Davies will be out for the rest of the season after undergoing a shoulder operation last month.