Ng returns for crunch game with relegation rivals Stoke

Cardiff City will have defender Perry Ng back for Saturday's crunch encounter with Championship relegation rivals Stoke City.

Right-back Ng, 28, has missed Cardiff's past two matches with injury, but has returned to training.

Midfielder-turned-defender Andy Rinomhota is a doubt, meanwhile, having hurt his back during Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Preston North End.

Winger Anwar El Ghazi remains out with a back injury, while goalkeeper Jak Alnwick and midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ralls have already been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Cardiff are 22nd in the Championship table with five games left this season, trailing Derby County in the final safety spot on goal difference, albeit a significant goal difference of 10.

Stoke are in 20th position, two points clear of the Bluebirds before Saturday's meeting at Cardiff City Stadium.

"Perry [Ng] will be back, he trained today [Thursday] a little bit," Cardiff manager Omer Riza said.

"Andy [Rinomhota] has hurt his back, so we will see how he is tomorrow. Ollie Tanner is still training towards getting fully fit.

"Ollie has been getting frustrated, he wants to play, but he gets disappointed with himself because he can't quite get himself back to the levels he's been at, which is normal with the injury he has had. Players are waiting to get their opportunity.

"Everyone has to be ready and the boys who came on [as substitutes at Preston] were very impactful. It shows that togetherness.

"We are going to have to put it all together to get those results we are looking for. Stoke is a very important game."