Roberto Di Matteo is hoping new signing Pablo Ibanez will be fit for West Brom's season-opener at Chelsea.
Baggies boss says centre-back may play at Chelsea
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo is hoping new signing Pablo Ibanez will be fit for his side's season-opener at the weekend.
The Baggies face a tough task as they travel to Premier League champions Chelsea on Saturday, having been promoted from the Championship last term.
Spanish defender Ibanez, 29, signed on at The Hawthorns for a free transfer in June from Atletico Madrid, but recently pulled out in a warm-up for a pre-season game with a hamstring injury.
Ibanez has yet to train this week but scans have revealed he has sustained no serious damage and could be ready to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, boss Di Matteo also has a doubt over Graham Dorrans with a groin knock, but could be boosted by the return of Marek Cech (groin) and Gabriel Tamas (knee) who are expected to feature in international matches in midweek.
"Ibanez has had his scan," Di Matteo told the club's
official website.
"It hasn't shown anything worse than we expected. He didn't train yesterday (Tuesday) and neither did Dorrans.
"We'll assess both of them today. Pablo should be available for Saturday hopefully and we don't know on Dozza yet.
"Marek and Gabi went away with their international teams so I expect them to both be fine."
