West Brom Striker Nicolas Anelka Returns following Time Out On Compassionate Leave

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Baggies welcome back veteran forward.

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West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka has resumed training today after compassionate leave, putting an end to speculation over his possible retirement reports Sky Sports.

The 34-year-old had been granted time away from the Hawthorns after the death of his close friend and agent Eric Manasse.

Speculation emerged after the player walked out of training last week that he could retire from football altogether but the Baggies have now confirmed that he will continue his career in the Premier League.

A statement of the club’s official website stated: “Albion can confirm that Nicolas Anelka will resume first-team training tomorrow and be available for selection for Sunday’s game against Swansea,

“The striker was excused from club duty for the fixtures against Everton and Newport on compassionate grounds and, having met with head coach Steve Clarke today, he will rejoin his team-mates tomorrow.”

The return of his summer signing will be a weight off the shoulders of manager Clarke who was facing the prospect of last-ditch striker pursuit in the transfer market with just days remaining.

Clarke had confessed on Tuesday night that he was eager to sit down with the Frenchman to seek clarification on his future.

He said: “I have to sit down and speak to Nicolas. That’s the first thing. We have to get in touch with him or he has to get in touch with us and we have to see where he is, where he’s at, how he feels, as quickly as possible. We have to have that chat.”

West Brom became the sixth Premier League club of his nomadic career when he joined on a one-year contract last month and he made his debut in the 1-0 defeat by Southampton on the opening game of the season.

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