EXCLUSIVE

James Tomkins is fully expected to be fit for the weekend clash against Sunderland.

The central defender was taken off  early in the second half at Liverpool  as he was “feeling a ligament” which had first become irritable on the Friday before the game.

Claretandhugh was told: “He was fit to play but when Liverpool scored their second and it was unlikely he would be able to affect the match as was required we took him off to protect him.

“He’s now fine as a result and will be fit to play his part in the match at Upton Park on Saturday.”

Winston Reid meanwhile is out of the protective boot he has been wearing over an ankle injury and working on upper body exercises in the gym.

But he won’t be available for at least another six weeks!