Steven Reid a major doubt for Albion
Wednesday 27th April 2011, 2:00PM BST.
Albion defender Steven Reid has been confirmed as a major doubt for the West Midlands derby clash with Villa on Saturday.
The former Republic of Ireland international has received a positive update from medics treating the calf injury that forced him to limp off in the 2-2 draw at Tottenham at the weekend.
But Reid still faces a race against time to be fit for the weekend, when the Baggies will look to end their 26-year winless spell against Villa.
Boss Roy Hodgson said: “Steven’s not as bad as he could have been but he has a calf strain, so his participation on Saturday will be in doubt.
“It’s far too early to make any real predictions though. He’s had a scan which has confirmed a slight muscle tear – but a lot less than we originally feared.
“We hope he’ll recover for Saturday and if he doesn’t make that, we hope it won’t keep him out for any length of time.”
Goalkeeper Scott Carson should be fit to face his former club, despite nursing a thigh problem during the draw at Tottenham.
Hodgson said: “He’s had a thigh problem for some time but the scan on that was also very positive.
“We’ll probably stop him from kicking too many balls in training this week, but he’ll be OK.”
Winger Jerome Thomas should also be available despite picking up an injury late in the game in north London.
Hodgson said: “He’s got a slight strain as well and didn’t train yesterday.
“But it’s nothing serious. Hopefully, he’ll be back by tomorrow or Friday.”
One added plus is that midfielder Graham Dorrans is training outdoors again, as he looks to overcome his ankle injury in time to play again before the end of the season.
Hodgson said: “As I was on my way out yesterday, I saw that he was getting ready to go out to do some training, which is positive.
“He had that minor setback but he’s just got to keep working now and get back to where he was before the setback a week ago.
“I don’t think that will take too long.”
UK Sport
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