The defender missed Stoke's last game a gainst Chelsea due to ineligibility but is poised to return to the starting line-up on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the game, Hughes told the press that Bruno Martins Indi, Ryan Shawcross and Kevin Wimmer would once again miss out but that Geoff Cameron could return.
"Bruno's out for a number of weeks. He did his groin near the end last week and couldn't continue. I'd say two or three more weeks," he explained.
"We're hopeful on Geoff Cameron. He's probably the only one who we feel could play this week.
"Ryan Shawcross is not available and Kevin Wimmer - it's only been 10 days since his injury - so playing him would be risk. He's not trained all week."
Despite that, there was good news in the form of Zouma's availability, with Hughes lauding the player's impact on the 'Potters' since joining the club on loan from Chelsea in July.
"The one positive is Kurt Zouma. He's back," Hughes added. "He was not injured but ineligible for the Chelsea game because they were his parent club.
"We're really happy with the way he's settled in. He's brought pace and power, physicality, which sometimes last year we were lacking.
"He's brought a presence to our backline and improved our capacity to defend. He's got a great future ahead of him.
"We're part of his development this season and we'll benefit from that. All in all we've been pleased with him.
"And we'll be in better shape this week from a defensive personnel point."