Club News

Clarke provides Foster and Mozza update

Boss hoping keeper's injury can be managed as midfielder trains

STEVE Clarke has confirmed Ben Foster has a groin problem – but is hoping it is something that can be managed through games.

The injury forced the Baggies No.1 to kick with his weaker right foot throughout Monday’s 2-0 win over Southampton.

He has now jetted off to Germany to have it assessed by a specialist and is rated by Clarke as having a 60-40 chance of facing Wigan on Saturday (ko 3pm).

The Baggies boss has been boosted by the return to training of James Morrison after he missed the Saints clash.

And the Scotland international is expected to be available for the DW Stadium encounter, provided he suffers no adverse reaction.

Steven Reid (hamstring) is also back in full training but Clarke admits he is being careful not to rush the defender back too soon after two months on the sidelines.

“With Ben we’re waiting on the diagnosis, and fingers crossed it is positive,” said Clarke.

“I’m hopeful he’ll be available to play again on Saturday, kicking with his right foot.

“Hopefully it is something we can manage similar to what we’ve done with Shane [Long] over the last few weeks.

“Ben's chances of playing on Saturday are probably 60-40 in his favour.

“If we can manage it then we can get a few more games out of him.

“But we’ve got good back-up keepers.

“Boaz Myhill had a really good season on loan in the Championship last season and trains well every day.

“So, if I had to rely on Boaz to play then I’d be happy with that.”

He added: “We have to be careful with Steven because he has been out for such a long time.

“We showed patience with Chris Brunt to get him back involved with the squad and we’ll show the same patience with Steven."

The Baggies boss also revealed Craig Dawson is currently unavailable for selection after suffering a bang to the eye in training that caused him some blurred vision.