James McClean's injury 'not as serious as feared' but six West Brom players doubts for Port Vale
James McClean’s injury is ‘not as serious as first feared’ - but West Brom could be without six senior players at Port Vale on Tuesday night.
The Irish international limped off in the second half of Saturday’s pre-season friendly with Bristol Rovers, and Baggies boss Tony Pulis was worried he had done some serious damage.
However, scans revealed he had bruised a bone in his knee, improving his chances of being fit in time for the start of the season on August 12 when Albion host Bournemouth at The Hawthorns.
McClean will not be risked against Port Vale on Tuesday night, but he stands a chance of playing against Deportivo La Coruna in Albion’s last friendly of the summer this coming weekend.
That’s a huge boost to Pulis, who could be without six senior players at Vale Park this week as injuries continue to plague his small squad.
Chris Brunt was removed from Albion’s game against Slough Town on Saturday with a minor calf injury and will not feature on Tuesday.
Matt Phillips, who missed the Rovers match with a tight hamstring, and Jake Livermore, who reported a sore knee after that game, are also doubts for Port Vale.
Gareth McAuley and James Morrison, who picked up injuries on international duty in June, are each facing a race to be fit for the start of the season.
Albion’s match away at Port Vale kicks off at 7.30pm on Tuesday, August 1. A previously arranged friendly with Kidderminster Harriers has been postponed.
