Thomas and Bednar doubts for Albion
Albion winger Jerome Thomas is set to miss the game against Blackpool at the Hawthorns while striker Roman Bednar faces a race to be fit.
Albion winger Jerome Thomas is set to miss the game against Blackpool at the Hawthorns while striker Roman Bednar faces a race to be fit.
Thomas has been all-but ruled out with a hamstring problem while Bednar's groin injury was being reassessed today, but the Czech is a major doubt for the meeting with the Seasiders.
Head coach Roberto Di Matteo said: "Jerome Thomas is very doubtful. I found after the game on Tuesday he had a little problem.
"It's not a bad injury, it's a tight hamstring and we'll see how it improves."
Bednar has been missing since limping out of the FA Cup replay defeat to Reading on February 24 and the big striker was hoping to declare himself fit for tomorrow.
But the Czech Republic international has not been able to train all week and was facing a make-or-break day today as Di Matteo finalised his plans for the game.
A continued absence for Bednar could open the way for Ishmael Miller to start his first game in 15 months, after impressing as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.
Miller was seriously considered for a starting berth in midweek, before the Baggies boss opted for Luke Moore instead.
But the former Villa striker has failed to find his top form and Miller is now pushing harder than ever for a return to the starting line-up.
Di Matteo said: "Ishmael just needs to work hard in training and get some minutes in the games. I don't think he's ready yet to last 90 minutes, but at some point I'd like to throw him into the cold water and start him.
"It's down to him. It depends how his attitude is and how much he wants to get that start."
Simon Cox is also an option for the lone striker's role in Di Matteo's 4-5-1 system, after shaking off the effects of a back injury suffered at QPR.
But Frank Nouble has returned to West Ham after an unsuccessful month's loan at The Hawthorns.
Di Matteo said: "Frank's 28-day loan bridged all those games when we were short of players. That is over now and he went back to West Ham on Wednesday. Cox is fine now."
