LONDON, Aug 22 — French striker Nicolas Anelka will not feature in West Bromwich Albion's Premier League game against Everton on Saturday after being excused on compassionate grounds, the club has said.

The club rushed to make a statement after Sky Sports News ran a report claiming the 34-year-old had walked out on training and told staff at West Brom that he had retired from football.

Anelka joined West Brom, his sixth Premier league club, last month and featured in their opening game defeat at the hands of Southampton on Saturday. — Reuters