Club News

Mel: Others must step up to plate

Boss forced to rule trio out of Swansea trip as injuries mount

PEPE Mel has called for other players to step up to the plate after being forced to rule out Steven Reid (knee), Claudio Yacob and Billy Jones (both hamstring) for Saturday’s trip to Swansea (ko 3pm).

It means the Baggies boss will now be without five key players for the Liberty Stadium clash, with Chris Brunt and Diego Lugano (both medial ligament damage) already sidelined for a number of weeks.

And Mel has no recognised right-back at his disposal in South Wales, a position right winger Morgan Amalfitano and centre-half Craig Dawson have deputised in at times this season.

“The three injuries to Brunt, Yacob and Reid are the most significant thing to come out of the Manchester United game,” said Mel.

“The problem now is we don’t have a right winger to play against Swansea.

“Of course, the injuries give other players like Graham Dorrans, Scott Sinclair and Craig Dawson a chance and I believe they can help us.”