Long in fitness race for Albion
February 08, 2012 14:53:29 UK
Shane Long could feature against Wolves this weekend.West Brom forward Shane Long is battling to be fit in time for the trip to Wolves on Sunday.
Long hasn't featured since New Year's Day defeat at the hands of Everton due to a back injury and illness but the former Reading man could make his return in the Black Country derby at Molineux.
Boss Roy Hodgson is hopeful the forward will be able to play against relegation rivals Wolves, although he admits it is too soon to tell whether or not Long will be available.
He told the Express and Star: "He seems to be making big strides forward. He feels a lot better but he’s had two quite serious knockbacks so we have to unfortunately take it a little bit easier with him.
"We can't throw him straight back in there because first it was the back and then it was chest pains.
"We just have to take it day by day. He's a lot better than he was at the end of last week, it's just a gradual thing. It's too early to rule him in or out for Wolves."
West Brom are 2.70 to take all three points and the draw is available at 3.20, Wolves are priced at 2.70 to secure the win.
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The Baggies will be without Chris Brunt due to an ankle injury but the midfielder could be fit for Sunderland's visit on February 25 after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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