Two West Brom players free from COVID-isolation in time for clash v Barnsley
Two West Brom players will be free from isolation in time for Friday night’s clash against Barnsley at Oakwell, according to The Athletic.
The duo have not been named but two of the four who tested positive last week – Matt Clarke, Conor Townsend, Semi Ajayi and Cedric Kipre – could return for this week’s trip to Barnsley (17 December), though they will barely be able to train beforehand, putting their participation in jeopardy.
The other two, meanwhile, look to have no chance of playing against the Tykes as they are set to remain in isolation, owing to COIVD guidelines.
Risky return?
West Brom adapted brilliantly after last week’s mini outbreak saw their defence decimated.
Against Reading on Saturday (11 December), Valerien Ismael fielded Jake Livermore and Adam Reach alongside Kyle Bartley in a makeshift back-three after four of his defenders were ruled out.
Albion responded superbly to claim a clean sheet and win 1-0 courtesy of a long-awaited Callum Robinson goal.
They will, however, be aware that it was just one game against a side who had won just twice in their last 10 games.
But Friday sees them play Barnsley who have won just two games all season and sit 23rd in the Championship.
With the two returning players barely being able to train before Friday, perhaps Ismael will place faith in the same side that beat Reading, just for one more game.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman starred for Albion on Saturday as a makeshift left wing-back and there will be confidence that he can continue his terrific form on Friday.
In other West Brom news, Simon Jordan has launched into an on-air rant over a recent Albion controversy.
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