West Brom attacker Matt Phillips expected to return for Brighton FA Cup clash
West Brom could have Matt Phillips’ services back in time for the FA Cup clash against Brighton on January 8, according to Birmingham Live.
The 30-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in training and since the Nottingham Forest game, he is yet to feature for the Baggies.
While he’s not expected back before the turn of the year, he should be available right from the second week of January.
Needs to improve
Phillips has been reliable for the Baggies in the past, but this season he has been anything but.
In 19 league appearances, he’s only managed to score a paltry three goals and has bagged just two assists.
Valerien Ismael also does not seem to rate him that highly, handing him just 12 starts.
The 30-year-old had considered himself a regular in the West Brom team, but now has to settle for being a bit-part player.
His decline can’t be blamed on Ismael and hopefully, he’s taken this mini-break to get his career back on track.
While the Baggies are likely to sign a striker in the summer, they would still want Phillips to complement the talisman and chip in with vital goals every now and then.
In other West Brom news, Chris Lepkowski makes shocking behind-the-scenes unrest claim at the Hawthorns
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