Carlos Corberan admits taking ‘risk’ with West Brom ace Jeremy Sarmiento
Carlos Corberan admits he recently took a “risk” with West Brom ace Jeremy Sarmiento.
The winger, on a season-long loan from Brighton, has had well-documented injury issues and missed the whole of October.
Having been used mainly as an impact player last month, Sarmiento scored the winner when restored to the starting line-up against Cardiff City on November 28 and has started five straight games.
Baggies boss Corberan, though, concedes he took a game by playing him against Rotherham United on 12 December – a midweek fixture – due to the risk of fatigue.
“It’s progress and it’s a risk. The normal situation is that I should not have played him at Rotherham (fourth of five games) – in terms of the risk. In terms of fatigue,” Corberan is quoted as saying by the Express & Star (20 December).
“But at the same time, I have to play with him. It’s a risk but it’s my job. Footballers adapt to the game – and the position that you want.
“One thing that was important for him was to add minutes, the second important thing is for him to perform. We brought him here to develop him as a player but to receive all his talent and we are in this a process.”
Risk worth taking
It is a delicate balancing act with Sarmiento, who having had fitness issues is starting to build up his physical condition as emphasised by playing five consecutive games – no mean feat considering the problems he has had.
The reason for his extended run has been necessitated partly by a needs-must scenario that developed at The Hawthorns. Adam Reach was already a long-term absentee before Jed Wallace and Matt Phillips picked up injuries. Josh Maja also joined fellow striker Daryl Dike on the sidelines.
With John Swift having his own injury battles in recent weeks, the options for Corberan were pretty thin to be honest, and so it was that Sarmiento kept the shirt and will likely keep it providing he is fit.
As we enter the busy Christmas period, it will be a real test of the physical demands on Sarmiento’s body. Let’s hope that Corberan does not have to take too many risks with the flamboyant winger over the next couple of weeks.
In other West Brom news, contract talks with one Baggies star are hanging in the balance amid takeover uncertainty.