Kyle Bartley returns to West Brom Under-21 action following lengthy injury layoff
Kyle Bartley’s return to fitness for West Brom has been labelled a “big boost” after the defender came through unscathed on his return for the Under-21s, according to the Express and Star.
The 31-year-old has been out of action for two and a half months with a muscle problem in his leg, which has meant he has not featured for Carlos Corberan’s side since before the World Cup break.
Bartley was handed 60 minutes in Albion Under-21s’ 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Friday evening (27 January), and youth team and former caretaker manager Richard Beale was delighted at the pre-planned hour of action the centre-back played.
As reported by the Express and Star, he said: “Absolutely yes, Kyle came through unscathed and I thought he was decent, it was good to see him back on the pitch, that’s what it was for.
“It’s a big boost for the team for the run-in, having someone of Kyle’s experience and quality back.
“It was really good to see him out there tonight and come through unscathed.”
Boost
Bartley’s return to action is a timely boost for Corberan following the potentially season-ending injury picked up by Matt Phillips.
With Phillips out of action and the Baggies’ Championship schedule as hectic as ever, the defender can provide his manager with a brilliant alternative to alter his side with.
It won’t be easy for Bartley to force his way straight back into the starting lineup as Erik Pieters has stood in at centre-back brilliantly in his absence alongside Dara O’Shea, but the experience the returning Englishman brings could prove vital.
With Albion tenth and a single point off the playoffs following their defeat to league-leaders Burnley, now is the time for calm heads to navigate their way back into the top six, and Bartley can help provide this.
The Baggies will hope the defender is fit for their Championship encounter against Coventry next Friday (3 February) or can at least feature from the bench and mark his return to the first team.
In other West Brom news, the club looked to have put themselves on a collision course with league sanctions with a recent move.