Double boost for Baggies

Billy Jones: Declared fit for Saturday's game against Wigan

West Brom have been boosted by the news that Billy Jones and Jerome Thomas could be set to make their comebacks from injury this weekend.

The pair missed their side's 2-0 loss to Manchester United last Sunday, as Thomas had a hamstring problem and Jones was not quite fit enough following his return to training just a few days before.

Both players are now vying for a starting position ahead of the weekend game at Wigan and assistant head coach Keith Downing remains cautiously optimistic about their comebacks.

Precautionary

Downing told the club's official website: "Billy trained on Thursday and Friday, before going with the development group on Saturday, so he's had three good days, plus Monday and Tuesday of this week.

"That's five good training days and he's now in a position where he can be included in the squad for Saturday. He has had a little bit of bleeding in the hamstring so it was precautionary not to throw him back in too soon."

Downing continued: "Jerome was back in training yesterday after completing his rehabilitation on Monday. He has had no ill-effects and he's quietly confident in himself. If he comes through the next couple of training sessions then obviously he'll be included."

Keith Andrews and Marc Antoine-Fortune also picked up minor knocks against United but both remain hopeful of being fit on Saturday.

No long-term problems

"You get bumps and bruises after games. Yesterday was what we called an offloading day, where we check on the lads who played the entire 90 minutes of the game on Sunday," Downing said.

"One or two didn't figure on Monday, and one or two others had precautionary days off yesterday, and are just doing some pool work with the rehabilitation staff.

"Andrews got a bang on the knee. Fortune has some aches and pains, as he's played quite a few games where he has battled away. We don't think any of the guys have any long-term problems."