West Brom vs Manchester United: Jonny Evans to miss clash against former club

West Brom manager Tony Pulis has confirmed he will be without defender Jonny Evans for the visit of Manchester United on Sunday 6 March.

Evans joined the Baggies from United in the summer transfer window after an 18-year association with the club but will miss the opportunity to play against his former employers at the Hawthorns. The 26-year-old had been struggling with a hamstring problem, but speaking at a press conference, his manager confirmed he will have no role to play.

James Morrison and Callum McManaman also remain unavailable although Pulis is hopeful the duo will return later in March.

West Brom have moved 12 points clear of the relation zone and look to have put enough distance between themselves and those clubs fighting for Premier League survival. Pulis however still insists 40 points is the target and hopes the club can continue to claw their way back up the table in the coming weeks.

"We will go out on Sunday and do our best," he said. "They're a good side and they've got some good players. We will enjoy the challenge.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Chris Brunt is also unavailable after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that required him to undergo surgery and robbing him of his chance to represent Northern Ireland at this summer's European Championships in France.

"It's a big blow for Chris and everyone is feeling for him right now," said Pulis. "It will be disappointing for us not to have him for the rest of the season because he is a terrific player who gives the team great balance. But obviously it is made even more cruel because it has denied him a career highlight with Northern Ireland this summer."