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Jonas Olsson return could solve Albion headache

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Albion are hopeful Jonas Olsson will be fit to face Villa and solve a selection headache for boss Tony Pulis.

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The centre-back was forced out midway through last weekend's defeat at Southampton and then missed Tuesday's FA Cup third-round replay win at Bristol City through illness.

But the Baggies' medical staff are optimistic Olsson will be well enough to start tomorrow, news which will come as a relief to Pulis, who also has concerns over Darren Fletcher and Chris Brunt.

The latter is still being assessed for a calf injury sustained at Ashton Gate but should Olsson return, Pulis would have the option of playing Jonny Evans at left-back, meaning Brunt does not need to be rushed back. Should Olsson not make it, the head coach would have to consider whether to hand Sebastien Pocognoli a first Premier League start since December 2014.

The Belgium international has been frozen out since Pulis arrived at The Hawthorns and his substitute appearance on Tuesday, replacing Brunt, was met by chants of 'we thought you were dead' by the travelling fans.

The head coach has proven, with the previous recalls of Stephane Sessegnon and Victor Anichebe, that he is not averse to bringing a player in from the cold, though Pocognoli is one of several players he would ideally like to move on this month.

Pulis also has a looming decision to make with his goalkeepers after Ben Foster continued his comeback from long-term injury at Ashton Gate.

The 32-year-old, who was out for nine months after damaging knee ligaments, appeared in both games against the Robins but is yet to displace Boaz Myhill from the league team, with the latter having performed solidly in his absence.

To this point, Pulis has remained loyal to Myhill, but is a big admirer of England international Foster.

"Ben was very good on Tuesday – he's a top goalkeeper and a top lad," said Pulis.

"The lads enjoy him being around because he's such a good professional and he does set very high standards.

"Boaz has done smashing for us so it's good competition."