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Baggies recall loan trio

Image: George Thorne: One of three players recalled by West Brom from a loan spell in the Championship

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has increased his options by recalling three players from loan spells with Championship clubs.

Thorne, Fortune and Jara Reyes all return to The Hawthorns

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has increased his options for the busy festive period by recalling three players from loan spells with Championship clubs. George Thorne, Gonzalo Jara Reyes and Marc-Antoine Fortune are all now back with the Baggies ahead of Wednesday's Premier League game against Newcastle. Teenage midfielder Thorne has started four Championship matches for Portsmouth since moving to Fratton Park in November. Chile international right-back Reyes has been with Brighton since October, while striker Fortune has made five appearances for Doncaster after joining Rovers last month. "The point is we do need these players," Hodgson said. "It was a calculated risk to let them go out on loan on the basis that the games and the experience would be good for them.

Prudence

"We always had the intention, coming up to this busy period, that we would probably want them back again and the clubs they were loaned to were aware of that. "I am pleased to see them all back and it is more a case of prudence and covering our needs than being in dire trouble." Hodgson has a number of injury concerns ahead of the trip to St James' Park as West Brom look to follow up the weekend's win at Blackburn Rovers. James Morrison has ruled himself out with a hamstring problem while fellow midfielders Youssouf Mulumbu (knee) and Paul Scharner (leg) are also doubtful. Scharner and right-back Steven Reid are also on four bookings and just one yellow card away from suspension.

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