Lewis Cox shares reason behind John Swift absence from West Brom squad v Stoke City
Lewis Cox has reported John Swift was absent from the West Brom squad to face Stoke City as he is still feeling the effects of the calf injury sustained months ago.
Despite being an unused substitute in the 2-0 victory against Rotherham on Tuesday (12 December), the Express & Star journalist insists Swift was never likely to be involved in that clash.
The midfielder remains West Brom’s top scorer this season and his absence is sure to be felt, despite Carlos Corberan finding form for his side without the midfielder.
Taking to Twitter on 17 December, Cox reported: “John Swift not in the squad. Still feeling the effects of that calf injury a couple of months ago. Unused sub on Tuesday but was never likely to be involved there.”
Injury absences continue to cause problems
While Swift’s position is one in which West Brom are lucky enough to have several options, his absence will still be felt by Corberan’s side, with his goalscoring instincts and ability to make a difference in the final third both difficult traits to replicate.
Grady Diangana has often been the one to step up without Swift in the side, although his position and influence differ slightly, and he has been handed the task of doing so again at The Hawthorns alongside Jed Wallace and Jeremy Sarmiento.
Wallace’s return from injury will ease the pain of Swift’s absence as he will fill in directly in the attacking midfield role, proving once again to Corberan that he can be reliable as a forward option wherever he is needed.
With his return to the bench in the win against Rotherham, fans would have been hoping to see Swift back in the starting lineup, but with another setback, they will have to remain patient and trust the physios are doing what is best for his recovery.
In other West Brom news, the starting XI has been confirmed v Stoke.