Slaven Bilic responds when asked if Kieran Gibbs could feature again this season
Slaven Bilic is optimistic that West Brom defender Kieran Gibbs will be able to play a part in the final month of the Championship season.
The defender pulled up with yet another hamstring problem in the 4-2 victory against Hull on Sunday, being replaced by Conor Townsend.
Early worries suggested that Gibbs would be ruled out for the rest of the campaign, with this the third separate setback he has had this season.
Bilic was questioned over the fitness of Gibbs after the game, and he remained optimistic over his immediate future.
“We are monitoring him,” he told the Birmingham Mail.
“We know his history this season, and it’s been stop-start for him. He’s looked fit. Unfortunately, he felt it, he felt his hamstring. The good thing for us is that he didn’t limp off the pitch – he walked off.
“It’s all speculation for now, while we wait for the scan. I can’t see him, to be fair, playing against Derby in three days.
“Hopefully…I’m optimistic about the chances of us being able to use him again this season.”
It is highly likely that Gibbs will miss Wednesday’s game with Derby at the Hawthorns, but he could be back after that if the injury isn’t severe.
Gibbs had cemented his spot in the Baggies defence after the lockdown, completing 90 minutes in all of the three games before the Hull clash.
Townsend will more than likely fill the void at left-back and was solid after coming on in the victory. The 27-year-old won three aerial duels as well as completing one tackle and two interceptions – not a bad cameo at the back [WhoScored].
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