Club News

Injury update on Mozza and Vydra

And Clarke lifted by new signings in training ahead of Fulham trip

JAMES Morrison is a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Fulham (ko 3pm) due to the groin strain he suffered against Swansea ten days ago.

Matej Vydra will miss his second successive game as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

While Steven Reid has returned to training but will not be available for selection as Steve Clarke’s men – bolstered by three attacking signings on transfer deadline day - go in search of their first Barclays Premier League win of the season.

"This year the international break came at a good time,” said the Baggies boss.

“Last year we were a bit disappointed it came when it did because we had started well.

“It's nice to have got a little breather, with a number of boys away on international duty and after having a busy transfer deadline day.

“Camp, Anichebe and Amalfitano have been able to train with the group.

“We're definitely in a better place as a squad. We're stronger and competitive.

“We need to get them working together and picking up points.

“The deadline day was good for us.

“We've got some good players in and hopefully that will show very quickly in the results.

“We have learned that we have to be more creative.

“Our best performance so far was away.

“We defended well without creating much but got a great point at Goodison.

“We've been looking for more creativity and we have to rectify that in the coming games and hopefully we'll see some positive signs on Saturday of what we've been trying to do on the training ground.

“Fulham are a good side, especially at home, who beat us twice last season, so we owe them a little bit.

“We got beaten by them comprehensively at their place on the same weekend of the season last year.”

Clarke will now assess his returning internationals as, aside from Morrison, Vydra and Reid he gave his squad a clean bill of health.

“I will have a few disappointed boys coming back today because the results for their countries weren't too good but Jonas [Olsson] will be happy because Sweden won,” he added.

“Morrison came off with a groin strain in our last game and is doubtful.

“Vydra won't make it because of his hamstring nor will Reid, who is improving a lot; apart from that we're looking okay.

“Only Victor has probably not had enough minutes on the pitch but Stephane has played for Sunderland and Morgan has played at Marseille.

“So those boys, if not ready to go this weekend, will certainly very, very quickly be up to speed.”