Ireland (ribs) returned to training Tuesday, the Stoke Sentinel reports.

Ireland was sidelined with a pulled muscle in his rib cage since Aug. 22 and should face a fitness test ahead of this weekend's match against Leicester City. If he's unable to go, the midfielder will likely be cleared by next Saturday's game. In 25 appearances (14 starts) last season, Ireland produced two goals and two assists for the Potters.

Ireland will be sidelined for a number of weeks after picking up a rib injury in training Friday. "It looks like he will be out for a couple of weeks at least," manager Mark Hughes said. "Or until the pain has gone to allow him to move around the pitch comfortably."

At the very least, Ireland will miss this Sunday's match against Hull City, and he is likely to miss out facing Manchester City on Aug. 30. With the international break following suit, it's possible Ireland could return Sept. 13 against Leicester City.

Ireland signed a new three-year contract with Stoke, reports Sky Sports.

Ireland had been out with an illness, but returned to action over the weekend to face Newcastle. He said he hadn't felt like he was wanted at a club for a long time, and that feeling helped sway his decision to stick with Stoke after making his loan permanent in January.

Ireland started Saturday's match against West Ham and picked up an assist.

The assist was Ireland's first since he had a goal and an assist against Chelsea on December 7. He remains a bit fantasy player, as Saturday's match was his first start in 2014.

Stoke City completed the permanent signing of Ireland from Aston Villa on Tuesday.

Ireland was already on a season-long loan from Villa, but Stoke wanted to make the deal permanent in order to open up a loan spot for the rest of the season. The midfielder has two goals and one assist in 13 appearances this season, and is currently working his way through a hamstring injury.

Ireland is expected to sign a permanent deal with Stoke City, the Telegraph reports.

Ireland is currently on loan from Aston Villa, but thanks to an impressive run, Stoke will assume his contract for the rest of the season. He had fallen out of favor with Villa manager Paul Lambert, who will be happy to get his £55,000 per week salary off the books.

Ireland is ineligible to play this weekend, as Stoke City face his parent club, Aston Villa.

Terms of Ireland's loan agreement specifically prohibit him from playing against his parent club. He should be back in the mix against Newcastle on Boxing Day.