West Brom pair Jonny Evans and Claudio Yacob fit to face West Ham

10 February 2017 10:24

Jonny Evans and Claudio Yacob have handed West Brom a double boost after proving their fitness.

Defender Evans has missed the last month with a calf problem but is in the squad to travel to West Ham on Saturday.

Midfielder Yacob is also ready to return after suspected appendicitis forced him to miss last weekend's 1-0 win over Stoke.

Evans' problem frustrated boss Tony Pulis as he initially struggled to recover and Yacob required hospital treatment last week but the problem was not as bad as first feared.

"Jonny will be fit for selection and Yac as well," said Pulis. "We thought it was appendicitis but luckily it wasn't so that's good. We've got a couple of big decisions to make.

"Yac has been outstanding this year for us so to have them on board is good."

Victory on Saturday would move Albion eight points clear of ninth-placed West Ham as they try to catch Everton and Manchester United in the race for the Europa League.

Seventh place in the Premier League could see the Baggies qualify for Europe if United win the EFL Cup and one of the top four wins the FA Cup.

Pulis has maintained Albion must reach 40 points before targeting anything else and with the club four points shy he wants his side to maintain their form after five wins from their last nine league games.

He said: "The important thing is to go there and make sure we put a performance in. We've done very well so far, we just need to keep it going.

"We've got to keep our feet on the ground and recognise why we've been successful and make sure we keep doing those basics well."

Pulis also remains wary of Hammers' striker Andy Carroll, who has scored four goals in his last four games.

"When he's fit, if he plays 38 games in the Premier League, you would expect him to get between 15 and 20 goals," he added.

"Those players are priceless. Andy's only problem over the years is his injuries. He's not just one-dimensional - he's actually got great feet as well and scores some wonderful technical goals."

Source: PA