Club News

Irvine gives fitness update

Brunt set to return to training for Albion

ALAN Irvine delivered a positive injury bulletin after spending more than an hour speaking to the media ahead of Monday night's televised fixture with Manchester United.

The Baggies head coach addressed the televised, radio and written journalists at the club's training ground this afternoon. 

Among the topics addressed were injury news, Saido Berahino's form, the visit of Manchester United, the fight for the right-back position and much more - all of which can be read in the build-up to the Barclays Premier League match.

On the subject of injuries, things are looking up.

Silvestre Varela has yet to return following his minor groin operation, but the treatment room is otherwise empty.

Irvine said: "Chris Brunt was the only one who came back with a problem but we're hopeful. He came back early and fortunately that gave us time to work with him.

"He hasn't trained with us yet but he will join us tomorrow. Brown Ideye has done some good work. 

"He's trained all week. His programme was different to the other boys. In the first week of the international break we brought the lads in and then gave them some time off. With Brown we did it the other way round so he had some time off but then he came into train. 

"As a result he had far more consecutive days of training. We actally worked him so hard that we gave him Wednesday off.

"Victor Anichebe has been in the States and trained well. Hopefully he will be ok but we will see how he is. 

"He went to the same place as Joleon, so it was a one-to-one top up. It worked with Joleon, hopefully it'll work with Victor.

"Silvestre isn't quite ready. The last thing we want to do is push him but the operation went well. Everyone was happy with the procedure but we'll take it carefully."