West Brom need to sort out midfield selection dilemma
West Brom have a midfield selection dilemma on their hands that needs sorting, ahead of their first Championship game of the season against Middlesborough.
Steve Bruce has admitted that new signing Olay Yokuslu is short of match fitness and may miss the start of the season due to his lack of games.
The Baggies have other midfield options that could replace him, but who they decide to go with is still up in the air with the start of the season looming.
Bruce said: “It’s an exciting signing for us because he played very well when he was here. [Birmingham Mail]
“We’re going to have to see where he is fitness-wise.
“When you miss pre-season, I always think it’s very difficult to play catch up, but I believe he is a wonderful pro and a good athlete and will do everything he can to be right.”
Who are the options?
There are really three viable options in the West Brom squad that can fill in for the Turkish international while he gains fitness.
The first is the reliable Jake Livermore, and this could prove successful for the start of the season.
The 32-year-old is an experienced player who has made 195 appearances for the club and would be the most likely option to start in midfield, allowing Jon Swift to do what he does best in the attacking third of the pitch.
22-year-old Irish midfielder Jayson Molumby is also an option after signing for the club permanently after completing a season-long loan last term.
The former Brighton and Milwall midfielder is a possibility for Steve Bruce and also will be in the running to start the first game of the season.
Former Barnsley midfielder Alex Mowatt will also be in line for a start on the first game of the season, after making 34 appearances for the Baggies last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
In other West Brom news, Steve Bruce has opened up about playing Middlesborough in the first game of the season.