Stoke winger Matthew Etherington out for two weeks

Etherington scored five goals for Stoke this season

Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington will be out of action for about two weeks after scans revealed no serious damage to his injured knee.

The 28-year-old was carried off during the FA Cup fifth-round tie with Manchester City on Saturday after a challenge with City's Wayne Bridge.

Despite initial fears that he may miss the rest of the season, Etherington could return by the start of March.

The Potters play Manchester City again in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Etherington's superb form this season on the left wing for Stoke has led some to tout him as a potential candidate to be selected for England's 2010 World Cup squad for the tournament in South Africa this summer.

The former West Ham player has made 27 appearances for Stoke this season, scoring five goals.

It is a huge boost for Stoke manager Tony Pulis, who is hopeful that defender Andy Wilkinson and midfielder Liam Lawrence will be fit for Tuesday's game at the Britannia Stadium.

The match will constitute the second of three encounters with City within 11 days, with the FA Cup replay confirmed for Wednesday 24 February.