Mowbray unsure over injured stars

Last updated : 05 February 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Tony Mowbray is prepared to give his injured players as much time as possible before making a selection decision on who faces Newcastle United at The Hawthorns on Saturday (KO 3pm).

Borja Valero, Jay Simpson, Luke Moore, Shelton Martis, Craig Beattie, Robert Koren and James Morrison all have a chance of featuring against the Magpies. However Jonas Olsson, Jonathan Greening, Ishmael Miller and Neil Clement will miss the clash with long-term problems and Gianni Zuiverloon due to suspension.

New signings Youssouf Mulumbu and Juan Carlos Menseguez could feature - if international clearance is obtained in time for the Argentinean - with Mowbray hopeful of fielding a competitive XI.

"We have a few players doubtful for the game," the Albion gaffer admitted.

"We made one or two changes in midweek at Burnley solely because of the delicacy of a few players and their fitness.

"We felt if they played on Tuesday, they wouldn't play on Saturday.

"Having protected one or two I would hope they are ready and available for the weekend.

"We need to be careful with Valero but he's got half a chance I think.

"Jay Simpson's scan suggests he's got a grade one hamstring.

"It's not even a strain.

"It's just a few fibres, a fatigue injury.

"We wouldn't want that to turn into a tear and him be out for six weeks.

"We'll assess that and decide what we're going to do with him.

"Beattie hasn't trained today and, if he doesn't train tomorrow, he won't play.

"Moore did train today but invariably we trained on a small section of grass we managed to uncover.

"It's not ideal with him being out for three weeks and not having a proper training session under his belt.

"So we'll have to assess him and see where we are with injuries.

"We may have to put some players on the bench who should be in the stands.

"We need to keep an eye on Robert's calf because it's still a little bit tight.

"He'll be available for selection if he comes through training tomorrow.

"If Menseguez is not on the bench I wouldn't be too disappointed, if he is on the bench, it's probably because he's one of the bodies I've got fit and available.

"That will apply to Mulumbu a little bit as well."