West Brom chief Pulis: I’ve no problems with Anichebe
West Brom boss Tony Pulis says he has “no problems” with Victor Anichebe, but pointed to the striker’s injury record as reason for his struggles at West Brom.
Anichebe made just 25 league starts across three years at The Hawthorns, before being released on a free last summer. He has been missing from Sunderland action since being injured in the 4-1 defeat to Burnley on New Year’s Eve.
He is rated as an outside chance at best to play this afternoon. Pulis said: “Victor’s a nice lad, I’ve got no problems with him,
“On his day, he’s a good player. But look at his record at Everton and here, he’s struggled with injuries more than anything else.”
Pulis sees Jermain Defoe as the main threat to his West Brom side, saying: ““Defoe’s been fantastic since he came back from Toronto.
“A lot of people were offered Jermain then and they’ll all be desperately disappointed because he’s been absolutely fantastic. He was the main reason why Sam (Allardyce) and Sunderland stayed up last year and he’ll play a massive part again this season.”
He also rejected claims that he has taken a risk in signing Jake Livermore from Hull City for around £10million.
Livermore, who was registered in time to play against Sunderland, tested positive for cocaine in 2015.
He avoided a ban, however, the tragic death of his newborn son a mitigating factor.
Pulis said: “He’s a solid kid, He’s had things that have happened in his life that have been very unfortunate and he’s bounced back. We’re looking forward to working with him.”