Mixed news ahead of Old Trafford

Last updated : 13 October 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Ivory Coast international Abdoulaye Meite looks set to miss out on the trip to Old Trafford after failing to recover from his troublesome calf injury. Albion boss Tony Mowbray had hoped the former Bolton man could be in contention to face the European and Premier League champions but has not reacted as expected to treatment.


On a brighter note, midfielders Chris Brunt and Filipe Teixeria are expected to be available for selection after coming through training with no adverse affects to respective hamstring and knee injuries.

"Meite is a bit behind the other two," Mowbray conceded.

"He hasn't actually been around our training sessions whereas Brunty was joining in the warm-ups and Teixeira is doing pretty much everything."


Although Mowbray has no worries regarding the Portuguese ace, apart from his lack of first-team action, the Baggies boss has admitted a sense of caution with Brunt due to the nature of his injury.

"Hopefully we'll get him training this week and then we will see how he comes through that," the Albion chief added.

"It's dangerous to rush back players with hamstring problems.

"So we will leave it with him.

"He will join in training, see how he feels and put extra pressure on it to see if it can stand up to a game.

"We will make a decision later this week.

He added: "I don't envisage any problems with Filipe.

"He just needs game time really.

"He's training full contact, played 60 minutes in what was a competitive game in the reserves.

"They all want to be available for Saturday but their bodies will tell them when they're ready.

"We don't want anyone to break down."