Stoke City defender Robert Huth has been hospitalized with suspected meningitis after beginning to show symptoms during an 11-day preseason tour of the United States.
The 27-year-old center half, who has played for Germany 19 times, was rushed to a hospital on Monday after his symptoms continued to worsen. Stoke said Wednesday he would undergo further tests to determine the strain of the virus and the length of the recovery time.
''It's a massive, massive worry for us, but the most important thing right now is Robert's health,'' Stoke coach Tony Pulis told the club's website. ''We don't know the full extent of it at the moment, but he'll be undergoing more tests, so hopefully we'll know more about the situation with him on Wednesday.''
Huth was part of Stoke's squad that went to the United States on July 22, playing three matches against Columbus Crew, Orlando City and Kansas City. Stoke lost 2-1 against Columbus, beat Orlando 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Kansas.
''He started to feel unwell just before we returned home from the United States last week and then felt a lot worse over the weekend,'' Pulis said.
Stoke begins its Premier League season at Reading on Aug. 18.
Huth signed with Stoke in 2009 from Middlesbrough and agreed to a new three-year contract in June. He had previously played under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.
Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge was diagnosed with meningitis in July, but made a swift recovery and represented Britain at the London Olympics.
