Baggies pair close to returning

Baggies pair close to returning

Published Oct. 28, 2010 3:15 p.m. ET

Striker Fortune and defender Olsson both had to be substituted early in the second half of last weekend's win over Fulham with ankle and Achilles tendon problems respectively. But the duo will be back in action sooner rather than later and could even be in contention for Monday's televised clash at Blackpool. The extra 48 hours will bolster their chances of being available to face Ian Holloway's side at Bloomfield Road. Fortune's availability would be especially important for the Baggies as leading scorer Peter Odemwingie is still battling to overcome the knee injury sustained against Bolton a month ago. The former Celtic player had scored his first goal since rejoining the Baggies against Fulham before limping off. But Olsson has also been a key figure at the heart of the Albion back four which has tightened up considerably since the 6-0 defeat at Chelsea on the opening day of the campaign. West Brom head coach Roberto Di Matteo will resist the temptation of rushing Odemwingie back into action for fear of risking him aggravating the injury. The Nigeria international has scored four times already this season. Baggies striker Ishmael Miller will be available to go on loan once he recovers from a calf injury with Middlesbrough, Leicester and Ipswich being linked with the former Manchester City player.

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