Mulumbu upbeat after training boost

Baggies midfielder explains mental and physical battle

YOUSSOUF Mulumbu has revealed he successfully came through his first full training session today – and is confident he will be fit to make a return to Barclays Premier League action at Liverpool on Monday (ko 8pm).

The Baggies midfielder missed last Sunday’s clash with Tottenham due to a knee injury that has been plaguing him since the week building up to his departure for the African Cup of Nations in early January.

But he insists a week of rest on his return to The Hawthorns has made all the difference, physically and mentally, ahead of the Anfield trip.

“I missed the QPR FA Cup game before the African Cup of Nations with what I thought was a small injury,” said Mulumbu.

“But the intensity of the games in the African Cup of Nations meant I needed a rest when I came back.

“It was hard mentally and physically but I’ve had a good rest over the last week and I feel refreshed.

“Mentally it was hard not to get through the group and it was quite painful physically playing through the injury.

"But when you play for your country and fans you just get over it - and I did it.

“I have been training this week but today was my first day back training with all the team.

“I think I will be fit for Monday’s game, my knee is getting better, and I felt really good today – I even scored some goals!”