Club News

Jones blow for Baggies

And Downing provides update on Myhill, Anichebe, Anelka and Sinclair

BILLY Jones has been ruled out of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea (ko 3pm) due to injury – but Victor Anichebe and Nicolas Anelka are expected to be available for selection.

Joint-assistant head coach Keith Downing also revealed Boaz Myhill is set to continue in goal at Stamford Bridge after shaking off a minor Achilles problem from the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Anichebe missed the same game due to tightness in his hamstring, while Anelka was absent after struggling with illness during the week.

Scott Sinclair also sat out the Palace clash but is back in training and Steve Clarke will decide later in the week if he is fit enough to face his former club, after almost six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Jones was forced off after 30 minutes against the Eagles with what has been confirmed as a pulled hamstring.

A time frame has yet to be put on his recovery but fortunately the blow comes during a quiet spell in the fixtures, with the Baggies’ next game after the trip to London not until November 25 against Villa.

“There is a big chunk of time now for him to get it right,” said Downing.

“But we’re disappointed because Billy’s played well and he’s been one of our best players.

“Nico trained on Sunday, so he’s back and well.

“Victor is in and around it again; he had tightness and it was more precautionary than anything else.

“Scott trained on Sunday and trained yesterday.

“We’ll see how he goes this week.”

He added: “Boaz had a little bit of stiffness in his Achilles.

“That was scanned and it is clear.

“He should be fine for the weekend.

“There are no alarms or worries about that.

“He was just limping a little bit and had a bit of soreness.”