West Brom have confirmed that Anelka has been excused from club duty on "compassionate grounds".

There had been doubts over the future of Nicolas Anelka at West Brom after the French striker reportedly walked out of training this morning.

The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid striker joined the Baggies on a free transfer earlier this summer, but there is speculation that he may now have decided to retire from the game.

Anelka walked off the training ground this morning and packed his bags and left the club, having held talks with club officials.

The club say that there was no bust-up with his fellow team-mates.

It is being suggested that the man often dubbed Anelka told staff there that he is retiring from the game, although more recent reports suggest that he has suffered an unspecified personal tragedy.