West Brom injury news as Alex Palmer finally returns to full training this week
West Brom goalkeeper Alex Palmer has made a return to full training following a injury layoff of almost three months.
Palmer’s progress at The Hawthorns this season, was halted by an ankle injury which has kept him out for longer than the anticipated six weeks.
The 26-year old last featured for Carlos Corberan’s side in the 1-2 loss to Burnley in January with David Button and Josh Griffiths filling that gap between them.
As featured in the Express and Star, Baggies’ boss Corberan provided an update on the goalkeeper’s situation and the progress made in recent weeks.
“From the last four days Palmer is making the normal training with the group,” stated the WBA head coach.
“It’s true in a game situation he did not have exposure for a long time and during the international break unfortunately he had to slow (down) more from using this time to help everyone in the recovery and be closer to the first team.
He couldn’t use it in the way we wanted. The games (over Easter) arrived very quickly and he was not able to play the B-team game one week ago that was necessary to make him ready to play.”
Stick or twist between the sticks
Now Palmer is in a position to stake his claim for a return to the West Brom first team.
That will please Corberan but the Spanish coach now has a dilemma at a crucial time for his side’s promotion push.
The Baggies have lost ground in recent weeks and in the clash against QPR on Monday, young goalkeeper Griffiths made an error leading to Chris Martin’s equaliser. Griffiths’ run in the team has come after he ousted David Button.
It means that Corberan must decide if he is to stick or twist between the sticks, with the potential recall for Palmer.
Regardless of his call, West Brom will not have a goalkeeper in a clear run of form going into the defining period of the season with six games remaining in the regular Championship campaign.
Just two of those are at home in what will be a tough task to claw back a five point deficit to secure a playoff place.
In other West Brom news, Stoke star could be ruled out v Baggies as early team news emerges – report