‘I’m not happy’ – Bilic makes claim about length of key West Brom injury
West Brom manager Slaven Bilic admitted that he was “afraid” that left-back Conor Townsend was going to miss more than four weeks when he first heard the news.
Townsend was ruled out with a knee injury yesterday and could miss between four and six weeks.
Back-up left-back Kieran Gibbs has been self-isolating due to COVID-19 and only returned to training this week, raising concerns about whether he will be fit to face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the game, Bilic said that injuries are part of the game and insisted that they had players who could step in.
“I’m not happy of course, it’s four weeks (for Conor), but I was afraid that it’d be longer,” said Bilic (via Express and Star).
“When I saw him limping off, he’d never do that. He is one of them that’d play with half a leg. But it is what it is, he’s going to be back soon and we have other players who can step into that position. There is no crying. Injuries are a part of the game.”
Townsend has been an excellent offensive weapon for the Baggies this season and is one of their best forward passers. According to FBRef, he averages more progressive passes per 90 minutes, 6.54, than anyone else on the team, while he completes 3.21 final third entry passes per 90.
He also averages 1.02 shot-creating actions from open play and 331 yards in progressive passing per 90 (via FBRef).
Stepping into his role will be a difficult task for Gibbs, who has not appeared in the Premier League since being sent off against Everton in the second match of the season.
Dara O’Shea has played at left-back for the Republic of Ireland but does not have the offensive instincts required in at wing-back, while Matt Phillips is another option with experience at wing-back.
In other West Brom news, why the Baggies are in the ideal position to add second win v Crystal Palace
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