Stoke City have suffered a major blow ahead of Saturday's clash with Norwich after losing influential midfielder Wouter Burger to suspension. 

The Dutchman picked up his 10th yellow card of the campaign in their 2-1 victory over Preston North End last weekend and will now serve a two-match suspension starting this Saturday as Norwich travel to the Bet365 Stadium. 

Burger was cautioned in the 21st minute of the clash after a coming together with Ben Whiteman. Saturday's round of fixtures were the cut-off point for two game bans being imposed for ten bookings. 

Stoke signed Burger for a reported fee of £4.3million from Swiss side FC Basel last summer, and he has recorded six goal contributions in 32 Championship matches this season. 

The defensive midfielder has formed a key part of Stoke's plans and is a major blow for Steven Schumacher ahead of this weekend as they continue to fight against the drop in the Championship. 

 "It's going to be nip and tuck with loads of ups and downs for everybody. The team that can stay consistent and put a couple of back-to-back results together will get away from it," Schumacher told the Stoke Sentinel after Saturday's victory at Deepdale.

"We're hoping that's going to be us. If we can show the same desire, I'm sure we'll be all right."

Despite losing Burger, Stoke will welcome midfield duo Ben Pearson, who served his suspension for a red card against Leeds United, and Jordan Thompson. They are the most likely contenders to replace the Dutch U21 international. 

The Pink Un: Wouter Burger will miss Norwich City's trip to the Bet365 Stadium this weekend through suspension.Wouter Burger will miss Norwich City's trip to the Bet365 Stadium this weekend through suspension. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Kenny McLean was walking a similar disciplinary tightrope during Saturday's 5-0 demolition of Rotherham, but Norwich were able to withdraw him prematurely to protect his availability over the next two matches. 

Ben Gibson, who was replaced with a calf injury at half time, has been pictured training at Colney and doesn't look to be out of this weekend's game. 

Left back Dimi Giannoulis is looking at a period on the sidelines however, having suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him of Rotherham's visit to Norfolk. David Wagner will offer a comprehensive squad update at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.