Friday 16 March 2012

Gera could return in April



West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed Zoltan Gera is ahead of schedule in his injury rehabilitation.
The Hungarian has not played since the end of November last year after suffering a long-term knee problem and he had been ruled out for the season.
But Gera, who had played just three games in the current campaign, has returned to running and could be back in Hodgson's plans by the end of April.
"Zoltan is actually ahead of schedule," Hodgson told West Brom's official website.
"The schedule was he wouldn't take any part this season, but would be fit for pre-season training.
"Now we're hoping by the end of April, beginning of May, he might be able to take part. He's out playing head tennis and running.
"But of course he's not doing the twisting and turning, stopping and starting, and changing direction he would have to do, and also the contact that is involved."

No slacking

Meanwhile, Hodgson has warned his players he will not tolerate any slacking in the closing months of the Premier League season.
Victory at rock-bottom Wigan on Saturday would move West Brom to within two points of their target of 40, which theoretically secures safety from relegation.
But Hodgson does not want his squad to take their foot off the gas and will drop players if he thinks they are not providing 100 per cent effort and focus.
"I may also fall into the trap of being a bit comfortable when we've got ourselves safe," he said.
"I think the thing that will stop that is we have quite a few players at the moment who want to play.
"I shall be relatively ruthless in that area if we're safe and I get the impression one or two players aren't playing like they were when we weren't safe."