Club News

Baggies report clean bill of health

ALBION have completed their pre-season schedule with all players set to feature in the final week's build-up to the Premier League opener against Bournemouth.

The Baggies returned from their final friendly in Spain with no further problems at the end of a five week build-up which has taken them from Austria to Hong Kong and then on a tour of lower-division venues before Saturday's finale against Deportivo La Coruna.

Albion protected Jonny Evans, Nacer Chadli and Chris Brunt from any risk of aggravating minor problems by not involving them in the Deportivo game.

Brunt and Chadli did not travel but skipper Evans was ready to play until reporting a tight hamstring during the warm-up and being immediately withdrawn by Albion.

Meanwhile the two men who have not been able to feature in the pre-season games, James Morrison and Gareth McAuley, have been making good progress and are expected to join full training this week.

It leaves Head Coach Tony Pulis with all his senior squad at his disposal when the Baggies get down to the serious business of readying themselves for the Bournemouth game.

Director of Performance Mark Gillett confirmed: "Gareth and James have made good progress and we are confident they will be able to join the group for full training this week.

"That's always the main target – to go into the final week with everyone available and that's where we are.

"Jonny's situation on Saturday was similar to Matty Phillips at Bristol. The moment they report a problem, no matter how slight, there is no point taking chances."

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