New Stoke City boss Mark Robins has recalled midfielder Lewis Baker from his scheduled season’s loan with Blackburn Rovers.
The 29-year-old former Chelsea youth player scored the only goal of the game to beat Robins’ Coventry City on the opening day of the season.
But he was then allowed out on loan to fellow Championship side Blackburn on transfer deadline day in August.
He has made 13 appearances to help Blackburn to seventh place in the Championship, 12 places and 12 points ahead of Stoke.
But he has returned to The Potters in time for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Sunderland.
“It was clear in discussions with Mark that he believes Lewis can play an important role in our squad,” said sporting director Jonathan Walters.
“With the best part of 300 career appearances to his name, Lewis will add invaluable experience, while his technical ability is something our supporters will be well aware of.
“Having started each of Blackburn’s four fixtures over the festive period, he returns ready to make an immediate impact.”
Baker, originally signed by former boss Michael O’Neill on loan from Chelsea in January 2022, is currently on a three-year deal with Stoke, which expires at the end of this season.