West Brom's Liam Ridgewell ruled out of next two games
Liam Ridgewell was today ruled out of Albion's next two matches with knee ligament damage – but the defender could return before the end of the season.
Ridgewell may be back for the games against Sunderland and Stoke in the final week of the Premier League season, despite scans revealing a medial ligament injury in his left knee.
And Gareth McAuley is hoping to be available to face West Ham on Saturday after missing Monday's defeat at Manchester City with a calf problem.
Ridgewell limped off in the closing stages of Monday's game at City and captain Chris Brunt is now likely to start out-of-position at left-back against the Hammers.
The defender's injury – which was originally announced as a season-ending ankle problem by head coach Pepe Mel – is less serious than first feared and Albion medics hope to get Ridgewell fit to face the Black Cats and Stoke.
The former Villa and Birmingham man last night posted a picture on social media showing his knee in a compression and cold therapy machine in an effort to speed up his recovery.
Billy Jones looks set to retain his place at right-back
The full-back said: "It was a massive confidence-boost personally to be back in the side. I was really nervous before the game.
"I've done all the strengthening and worked hard in the gym and in training, done extra running as well and played an under-21 games.
"But the only way you get a real test is going into a game.
"Even though I knew I'd ticked all the boxes I still felt a bit nervous but I felt good during the game and hopefully I will get stronger now, play well until the end of the season and get some wins."
