Club News

Evans ruled out for 'a couple of weeks'

Pulis provides injury update ahead of Magpies clash

JONNY Evans has been ruled out for "a couple of weeks" with a hamstring injury, Albion head coach Tony Pulis has confirmed.

The Northern Ireland defender limped out of Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Swansea City at The Hawthorns shortly after half-time.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle United (3pm ko), Pulis said: "Jonny will be a couple of weeks, which is disappointing.

"We're picking up some injuries at the moment which is not good for us but you have to get on with it."

Evans moved across to left-back in midweek to step in for Chris Brunt, who is on the treatment table nursing a calf complaint of his own.

It leaves Pulis, also without the injured James Morrison and Callum McManaman, with a conundrum at left-back ahead of the trip to St James' Park. 

"We've got options to move things around and that's what we'll have to do, obviously Jonny won't be fit," Pulis added.

"We've played a left winger there, really, all season and Brunty has done brilliantly, we've been really pleased with him at left-back.

"So to lose Brunty and Jonny as well leaves you a little bit bare, but we're no different to any other Premier League club, you get these spells where you pick injuries up and unfortunately for us it's come at a busy time but you have to get on with it."

Asked when Brunt and Morrison may return, Pulis replied: "Every day that goes past they become closer but how close we're still not sure?

"Morrison is more of a long-term one and Brunty maybe 10 days or two weeks, I don't know.

"Maybe next week if he improves enough, we might be able to get him a little bit for the cup game but if not then we'll definitely be looking at him for the Everton game."