Mel provides latest on McAuley and Sessegnon
PEPE Mel has been boosted by the return to fitness of Gareth McAuley ahead of Wednesday’s derby clash with Villa (ko 7.45pm) – but has been dealt a blow with the news Stephane Sessegnon is expected to be sidelined for a further month.
Sessegnon, who has missed the last two games and has yet to train during the new head coach’s reign, will undergo minor surgery on a groin problem tomorrow.
McAuley sat out the Everton game due to a hamstring problem that forced him off ten minutes from time against Southampton 16 days ago.
And his availability now gives Mel a selection headache following Diego Lugano’s impressive display alongside Jonas Olsson at the heart of the Baggies defence in the 1-1 draw with the Toffees.