Spanish forward Jese Rodriguez is ready to step up and deliver for Stoke City as the relegation-threatened side enters the crucial stage of the season.
The 25-year-old's main focus this campaign has been on caring for his youngest son, Nyan, who remains in hospital in Spain battling complications from his premature birth last summer.
Jese, who travels regularly back home to see Nyan, spoke of his youngest son's condition and told Cadena Ser radio:
"It's something I don't wish on anyone, it's a very difficult situation and you suffer a lot. All things considered, my boy is improving and thanks to God he is better.
"I have to fight for him and for the other two [children] that I have. But I"m certain people will return to see the best Jese."
Jese, who joined Stoke on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain in August, started in Monday's 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City.
It was his eighth league start and his first since Oct. 21.
"I've been away from the pitch for a long time because of my son's condition," Jese said. "But now that the boy is improving, I have to make the most of the remaining games we have, which are very important for me and for the team."
Monday's loss left Stoke 19th in the Premier League standings, two places and one point adrift of Southampton, who hold the last position of safety with eight games remaining.
"It was always going to be very difficult against Manchester City because they are just too good and play with a lot of intensity," Jese said. "But on Saturday we have a final against Everton, a game that we have to win at all costs. We are playing at home and we must make the most of it."
