Paul Lambert has told former Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay to stay away from Stoke City ahead of the final seven games.

Afellay’s career at the bet365 Stadium appears over after Lambert informed him he was not welcome to train at the club. It is understood Lambert has been frustrated by Afellay’s attitude and performances in training and gave him the news this week. The former Holland international, 31, has over a year left on his £30,000-a-week contract and will continue to be paid despite being away from the club.

However, it is expected that his representatives will soon begin talks over a mutual termination, allowing him to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Signed from Barcelona on a free transfer by Lambert’s predecessor, Mark Hughes, in July 2015, Afellay has not appeared for the first team since Dec 30. Stoke’s hierarchy are backing Lambert over his decision and are fully focused on supporting the manager as the club battles for Premier League survival.

With a daunting trip to Arsenal on Sunday – Stoke have lost at the Emirates nine times in a row – they remain deep in trouble.