Steve Bruce explains Matt Phillips absence from West Brom 2-2 draw v Huddersfield
Steve Bruce says Matt Phillips missed the 2-2 draw with Huddersfield through illness and may miss the next West Brom game against Wigan too.
The Baggies were forced to come back from 2-0 down away from home and did so thanks to a brace from summer signing Jed Wallace, but had a weaker bench to choose from than usual with Phillips not involved in the squad.
After the game the boss shared that he felt ill overnight and was immediately sent home hence his absence, and admitted that he is now touch and go for Tuesday’s Championship clash against the Latics.
“He was sick overnight, we took him out of the squad and away,” Bruce explained, as quoted by Birmingham Mail. “He travelled with us yesterday, but unfortunately he picked up a bug, sickness, what it is I don’t really know, but we got him out of the hotel as quick as we could and we got him home.
“I don’t think it’s Covid. I really don’t know [about being in contention for Tuesday]. I haven’t seen him, we just got him home. I’ll find out tomorrow or Monday.”
Blow
Phillips has hardly been a regular in the team since Bruce came in, but the sheer lack of numbers and options in that area of the pitch makes his absence a big blow.
Daryl Dike is already out and after missing out on the signings of Liam Delap and Lewis Grabban in recent weeks the club are desperate to make a forward addition before the Thursday deadline.
The fact that they’re only in the market for loans or free transfers means they could get lucky and bring someone in later since free agents can sign after the deadline, but ideally Bruce will want someone who has been training and is available immediately.
There will be names on a shortlist and moves made in coming days surely, but for now the club must go into the game against Wigan on Tuesday another man short as they look to turn these draws into victories.
In other West Brom news, ex-Baggies ace shares doubts over summer signing