Billy Wilson

Tue 1 December 2020 10:06, UK

Slaven Bilic is hoping that Conor Townsend’s injury is ‘nothing major’ after the West Brom defender picked up a knock in Saturday’s win against Sheffield United.

Townsend was withdrawn with 15 minutes to go in the 1-0 win over the Blades as he was replaced by Matt Phillips for the closing stages of the game.

Unfortunately, this was not a tactical decision as, according to Bilic, Townsend picked up a knock after being tackled.

Bilic is quoted by Birmingham Live as saying, “It was his knee. It was a tackle, it wasn’t a twist. But knowing Conor, his character and his bravery, he is not one with 15 minutes to go or 20 minutes to go, to walk away if it isn’t major.

“It’s nothing major, major, but knowing him he would play with a half leg. So lets hope and pray it’s nothing serious.”

Albion fans will be hoping that Townsend isn’t ruled out for a significant amount of time with some supporters hailing him as their player of the season so far last week.

Until being substituted off against the Blades, Townsend had played every minute of the Baggies’ Premier League campaign since he started against Chelsea in the third game of the season.

The defence has looked stronger with him in it as the two clean sheets the club has picked up this season have come when Townsend has started.

After conceding five goals in their opening two Premier League games Townsend’s return from injury somewhat steadied the ship, if you ignore the three goals conceded against Chelsea.

It would be a major blow for Bilic if Townsend is ruled out for a prolonged period but with Kieran Gibbs returning to training, the Baggies may have a decent replacement on standby.

In other West Brom news, one Baggies ace made a return for the club’s youth side on Monday. 

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