Nigeria international Victor Anichebe has been ruled out of West Bromwich Albion&rsquo;s Boxing Day home fixture against in-form Manchester City. <br /><br />Anichebe was supposed to be close to returning from a groin injury but he is yet to regain full fitness.<br /><br />The former Everton forward has been an effective foil for West Brom&rsquo;s less physical attackers - Brown Ideye, Stephane Sessegnon and Saido Berahino - when he has been available this season. <br /><br />With Ideye struggling and seeming for all the world like the transfer bust that many predicted he would be this summer, Anichebe is Albion&rsquo;s only real option as a target forward. <br /><br />Hopefully he will be ready by New Year&rsquo;s Day but it is certainly no guarantee.<br /><br />His international team mate, Ideye, is in the running for a starter&rsquo;s shirt at the Hawthorns.<br /><br />Manuel Pellegrini will be looking for his Manchester City side to keep the pressure up on English Premier League leaders Chelsea when they travel away from home.<br /><br />The Hawthorns has been a happy hunting ground for City in recent years with the Premier League champions unbeaten in their last four visits in the league.<br /><br />Photo Credit : topnews.in<br />