PUBLISHED
12:49 29th November 2013
by Paul Camillin
We're in a better place than we were last week"
Nathan Jones
Albion boss Oscar Garcia will be forced into one change ahead of tomorrow’s south-coast derby at Bournemouth with Bruno suspended for one match after he received his fifth caution of the season at Wigan last week.Inigo Calderon is likely to deputise, but otherwise Oscar could keep faith in the side which recorded back-to-back wins over Blackburn and at the DW Stadium a week ago.Nathan Jones
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Oscar does have the option of recalling Andrea Orlandi and Liam Birdcutt after both returned from injury, while Leroy Lita is also pushing for a start, a selection dilemma welcomed by assistant head coach Nathan Jones.
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He said, “The best thing about it is we’ve got some real competition in the squad – training has been better and we’re in a bit of good form which helps as well so we have that added bit of competition we all strive for.
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“The injured players are all in a better place than they were last week, so we’ll gauge it again after training today and see how they are. But we’re in a better place than we were last week with people coming back and so we should soon be even healthier and be getting everyone back."
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Albion also hope to have Will Buckley available for Tuesday’s visit of Barnsley, while Leo Ulloa and Kazenga LuaLua are close to a return and could even be back as soon as next week’s visit of Leicester City.
Elsewhere, Craig Mackail-Smith has begun running and is hoping to return in time for Christmas. Albion’s only other absentee is long-term victim Will Hoskins.
Bournemouth meanwhile look set to feature former Albion man Tommy Elphick. The defender, who has only featured five times so far this season, looks set start as Eddie Howe reshuffles his back line. Nico Yennaris, who joined on loan from Arsenal in the week, is also available.
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Elliot Ward (calf) is a long-term absentee and Steve Cook, another former Seagull, remains doubtful with a foot injury.
Original article