Mixed injury news for forwards as boss gives Myhill nod and explains keeper hunt
MATEJ Vydra will miss Sunday’s game with Swansea (ko 1.30pm) due to injury – but Nicolas Anelka is available for selection.Steve Clarke revealed Vydra has been ruled out for two to three weeks after limping off in the 43rd minute of the 3-0 Capital One Cup win over Newport in midweek.
But Anelka has overcome the shin blow that would have kept him out against Everton and is back in training following compassionate leave.
“Vydra won’t be available for Sunday,” said Clarke, who celebrated his 50th birthday today by sharing a glass of Champagne with the media at his pre-match press conference.
“I think he’ll be doubtful for the international matches for his country.
“But it’s not too serious.
“We’re looking at a fortnight to three weeks.
“Nicolas was in a really bad place.
“As any club would do, we gave him time to go away and reflect on things.
“He came in yesterday and told me he was really looking forward to the season and helping West Bromwich Albion try and build on what they did last season.
“It was great news.
“He’s fine. He explained to me the circumstances around his state of mind last week and they were all good reasons.
“He trained this morning and he trained very well.
“I’d have no qualms about throwing him in against Swansea.”
The Albion boss is set to give Boaz Myhill the nod over Luke Daniels between the sticks against the Swans, after the Wales international returned to training following a wrist injury.
“Boaz is a Wales international and is just in front of Luke,” he added.
“He didn’t play on Tuesday because his first day back training was on Monday. He’s trained again today and if everything is okay with his wrist he’ll start on Sunday.”
And Clarke explained how the Baggies’ search for potential goalkeeper cover is developing.
“We’ll run with the two very good goalkeepers we have at the moment,” he said.
“We’re looking at the market to see if we can bring in another experienced back-up because 12 weeks is a long time in football.
“If we picked up another injury to a goalkeeper we’d be a little bit short because the other goalkeeper we’ve got is young Jack Rose and he’s not quite ready for the step up yet.
“There are a number of names being thrown around.
“I’m not going to speak about names.
“There are a number of good goalkeepers available – some are out of contract.”
Clarke also revealed Billy Jones and Claudio Yacob are carrying knocks but he is hopeful the duo will be fit for the weekend after bringing them off early against County on Tuesday.
Steven Reid will miss his fourth successive game.