West Brom ace Sam Johnstone withdraws from England squad
West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has been forced to withdraw from the current England squad due to injury, as reported by Rob Dorsett, Sky Sports.
The 28-year-old had been called up in place of Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, who is also injured, but pulled out of the Three Lions’ two friendlies against the Ivory Coast and Switzerland today for the same reason.
He has been replaced in the squad by Southampton’s Fraser Forster and now returns to the Albion to begin his recovery.
The exact injury Johnstone has sustained was not reported by Rob Dorsett but if it is a big problem, Steve Bruce will have to rely upon one of his Baggies backups when the Championship returns next weekend.
Alex Palmer or David Button
It’s a real shame for Johnstone that his chance to play for his country again has been taken away from him through injury but his opportunities aren’t over yet.
There are many more years ahead for the West Brom shot-stopper and if he finds his best form again, he will be a shoo-in for Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Bruce though potentially has a tough decision to makes as to who would step in should the 28-year-old not be able to play their next game against Birmingham City on 3 April.
David Button was the man who picked up the baton when Johnston was suspended under the previous manager Valerien Ismael and he did a grand job when called upon.
But he has fresh competition now from Alex Palmer who impressed in his one-off game at Luton Town on a seven-day emergency loan.
If we were Bruce, we’d pick youth over experience and give Plamer his big chance as the club’s future number one.
In other West Brom news, Bruce was spotted walking out of Albion’s Under-23s game on Monday and you can hardly blame him.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Baggies plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.