West Brom manager Steve Clarke’s hopes for an injury free international break have been dealt a serious blow after midfielder Zoltan Gera injured his Achilles in the game against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andorra-c2837.
Steve Clarke had met with the press and was hoping for a week without stress and injuries. The manager was wanting all his players to return from their respective qualifiers without any bumps and bruises.
The Baggies boss was one of the many Premier League managers who criticised the timings of the international fixtures, which were scheduled only three weeks into the domestic season. This international break could really not have come at a worse time with
many clubs still settling in and finding their feet in the league.
The Scottish manager was also annoyed by the fact that he had to risk both his centre halves, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonas-c18967 Olsson and Gareth McAuley to 90 minutes of international action. Both defenders just underwent a demanding and hectic pre-season with West Brom, and perhaps
a full 90 minutes was too much to ask of them.
The manager voiced his concerns to the press and said:
“Maybe I have to learn from that experience and maybe I can have a better communication with some international managers,” he said at the prospect of having some of his more influential players stay back with the club.
Clarke’s hopes were however dealt a serious blow after coveted midfielder Zoltan Gera sustained a serious Achilles injury in Hungary’s 5-0 win over Andorra on Friday night.
The player is unlikely to feature against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Netherlands-c753 tonight, and will be in a race to recover in time to be fit for the the weekends fixtures.
Hungary’s team doctor was quoted as saying:
“Theoretically he’s ready to play but of course this will be decided by the coach.”
Gera was out injured almost the entire season in West Brom’s 2011/2012 campaign, but returned in full fury as he scored a couple of impressive goals. This latest injury blow will be a cause of concern for Clarke, who was hoping to see Gera in action this
season.
West Brom may also loose Youssouf Mulumbu for as many as five games in January once the African Cup of Nations starts. The player’s national team look set to have qualified for the tournament after a 4-0 win over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Equatorial-Guinea-c2892 in the first leg of their
play-off.
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