Club News

Yacob injury boost

And Mel stresses importance of midfield rock

PEPE Mel is hopeful of having key midfielder Claudio Yacob back for Saturday week’s home clash with Manchester United (ko 12.45pm).

The Argentina international missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham due to the hamstring injury that forced him off in the 63rd minute against Chelsea almost a fortnight ago.

And Mel admits he has an important part to play in 17th-placed Albion’s fight for Barclays Premier League survival over the remaining 11 games.

“It is possible Yacob will be available to play against United,” said the Albion boss.

“He is a very important player for us in the middle.

“He is strong and is playing well.

“It is important for us to play with three midfielders because now for us it is better.

“It was very important to try and win on Saturday and for this reason I played with two strikers to start.

“But it is sure that West Brom is better with three midfielders.”

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