Monday, April 22, 2013
Peter Crouch’s poor form down to lost teeth, says Stoke City boss Tony Pulis
Stoke striker Peter Crouch’s toothless performances in front of goal are because he has three less teeth than at the start of the season.
That’s according to Potters boss Tony Pulis. He reckons the 6ft 7in striker’s collision with Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini last November is the cause of his loss of form.
Revealing the full extent of the former England international’s injury, Pulis said: "Peter had a dip in form when he had that injury to his mouth. If you go back to that, that was a major concern for him in lots of respects.
"He’s had to have surgery done within the jaw bone above his teeth, some really serious work done.
"There’s been a while, especially after his injury, where Peter’s not performed to the level he was at before, because he had a good start to the season and looked a real handful.
"Hopefully, fingers crossed, he’ll be back to what he was in the next five games."
Crouch has scored just once in his 18 games since sustaining the injury.
That’s according to Potters boss Tony Pulis. He reckons the 6ft 7in striker’s collision with Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini last November is the cause of his loss of form.
Revealing the full extent of the former England international’s injury, Pulis said: "Peter had a dip in form when he had that injury to his mouth. If you go back to that, that was a major concern for him in lots of respects.
"He’s had to have surgery done within the jaw bone above his teeth, some really serious work done.
"There’s been a while, especially after his injury, where Peter’s not performed to the level he was at before, because he had a good start to the season and looked a real handful.
"Hopefully, fingers crossed, he’ll be back to what he was in the next five games."
Crouch has scored just once in his 18 games since sustaining the injury.
