Stoke City forward Robert Bozenik was reduced to tears after suffering a serious shoulder injury during Thursday's Championship meeting with Hull City. The 26-year-old required oxygen while receiving treatment on the pitch, before being helped off with his arm in a makeshift sling fashioned from his shirt.
The incident forced a long stoppage in play shortly after the interval, with 17 minutes of added time ultimately signalled. Stoke confirmed the change on social media, with Sam Gallagher coming on for the stricken Bozenik. The Slovakian had given the Potters the lead in the 39th minute with his first goal since joining from Portuguese side Boavista in the summer.
The goal proved decisive as Stoke secured a 1-0 victory, moving them within three points of the Championship play-off places. Prior to the win, Mark Robins' side had taken just two victories from their previous ten league matches, slipping out of the promotion picture.
Robins, who took over from former Coventry boss, will hope Bozenik is not sidelined for long. Stoke are next in action against Norwich City on Sunday, followed by an FA Cup third-round tie against Coventry, where Robins previously managed.
Elsewhere in the Championship on Thursday, leaders Coventry were held to a 1-1 draw by Charlton Athletic, while Ipswich Town closed the gap with a 2-1 win over Oxford United. Leicester City and Sheffield United were due to complete the day's fixtures at Bramall Lane.
