Stoke cannot use injuries as excuse - Thomas

Stoke City's nightmare injury situation cannot be used as an excuse for disappointing results says winger Sorba Thomas.

A severely-depleted Potters were beaten 2-1 by Middlesbrough at the bet365 Stadium on Wednesday and missed the chance to climb into the play-off places.

"The intensity was there in the first half but it felt it went flat," Thomas told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I don't know whether that was down to fatigue or people not doing their job but it's a learning curve.

"We're down to the bare bones but that can't always be the excuse."

Stoke boss Mark Robins is trying to juggle his side's promotion push with getting his injured players back as soon as possible.

Recent signing, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who missed the Boro game with a thigh problem, is the latest name added to an injury list that contains both recognised left-backs, five strikers, the club's most prolific midfielder and starting right-back.

On the plus side, Eric Bocat is fit enough for the bench while Aaron Cresswell is also back in the squad and midfielder Lewis Baker is understood to be close to joining them.

"You have to deal with what's in front of you. We haven't got time to complain," Thomas added.

"Games in the Championship come thick and fast and if we want to get to where we want to get to - that top six, minimum - we can't sit around and complain.

"For me it's about getting on the pitch and dealing with what's there and try to play to people's strengths.

"The Championship is ruthelss. Every team needs that squad depth.

"At the minute ours is on the physio's bed. But we can keep using that as exuses and crying about injuries - a lot of teams deal with injuries.

"It's just for the boys on the pitch to pull their fingers out and create a bit of magic - myself included."