Afellay ruled out long term after suffering cruciate ligament injury

The Netherlands international, 30, has made a positive impact in his first season at Stoke after joining from Barcelona in July 2015. But he will play no further part this term with Stoke also suggesting the injury looks set to keep him out for a "large part of the 2016-17 season".

It is the second time Afellay, who made his name at PSV, has suffered a cruciate ligament injury, the first coming in September 2011 when he played for Barcelona.

Stoke City midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has been ruled out for several months after damaging knee ligaments in training on Friday, the club have announced.

The Netherlands international, 30, has made a positive impact in his first season at Stoke after joining from Barcelona in July 2015.

But he will play no further part this term with Stoke also suggesting the injury looks set to keep him out for a "large part of the 2016-17 season".

Stoke boss Mark Hughes, who later put a nine-month timeframe on Afellay's recovery, told the club's Twitter account: "It's unfortunate for Ibrahim. He twisted his knee in training. He'll come back stronger with our support."

It is the second time Afellay, who made his name at PSV, has suffered a cruciate ligament injury, the first coming in September 2011 when he played for Barcelona.

The setback hampered his progress at Camp Nou and he was sent on loan to Schalke and Olympiacos before moving to England.