Hammers blow for Wigan as West Brom loanee Martin Kelly could miss rest of the season
West Brom loanee Martin Kelly will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, as confirmed by journalist Paul Kendrick.
The deputy sports editor of Wigan Observer has shared on Twitter (9 February) that the injury is a “hammer blow” for Wigan who signed Kelly on loan during the January transfer window.
Kelly picked up the injury on his debut for Wigan in the Championship in their 0-0 draw against Blackburn Rovers on Monday night (6 February). He was their man of the match but hobbled off the pitch with 15 minutes to play after picking up a nasty injury.
“Shaun Maloney just been in. [Wigan] with a hammer blow, as feared Martin Kelly will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury,” wrote Kendrick on Twitter.
Poor luck
The former Liverpool defender has badly struggled at the Hawthorns, making only six appearances this season. The club decided to send him out on loan in January which suited all parties.
Kelly is a vastly experienced defender and he was brilliant in the opening game for the Latics. However, it looks like he will be out of action for a while, if not for the rest of the season.
His debut for the Latics only highlighted the quality that he still possesses, and the injury news will come as a devastating blow for the defender.
Wigan are badly struggling in the Championship this season. They are bottom of the league at the moment and needed the services of Kelly to boost their survival hopes. For Kelly, it was a perfect opportunity for him to show his leadership skills at the back as well.
If the injury turns out to be season-ending, the Baggies probably would call him back to undergo his rehabilitation. His contract at the Hawthorns is set to expire in the summer of 2024, so there’s still time for the Baggies to make a decision on his future.
In other West Brom news, the boss posted a message direct to the supporters after the huge news coming out of the club.