West Brom injury issues ‘relentless’ as Jed Wallace, Jayson Molumby among six in doubt for Carlos Corberan
The fitness setbacks for West Brom are currently “relentless” as six potential starters are in doubt to face Aldershot, according to Lewis Cox.
The Express & Star journalist reacted via Twitter on 5 January after Carlos Corberan delivered his latest squad update ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup tie.
Captain Jed Spence is set to miss the game, and his involvement against Blackburn in the Championship on 13 January is also in doubt, while Jayson Molumby has also been ruled out with a foot issue that has been requiring injections [Express & Star, 5 January].
Additionally, John Swift, and three others who were in line for a game on Sunday, Conor Townsend, Martin Kelly and Adam Reach, are also struggling.
Cox wrote: “Relentless with the WBA fitness setbacks atm. Wallace pushing for Blackburn but sounds touch & go, Swift and Molumby updates here.
“Doubts over two/three others who would’ve started Sun. Corberan has confirmed six starters – as far as I can tell…!”
Endless
If it weren’t for the fact that Daryl Dike is in line to start after being out for almost nine months it would be seemingly nothing but more bad news for the Baggies boss.
It is perhaps no surprise that the likes of Wallace are suffering from what that Spaniard termed a “fatigue injury” when West Brom have just come out of the hectic Christmas period with a thin squad that has been heavily afflicted by absences.
Josh Maja and Matt Phillips have both been ruled out for a possible five months thanks to necessary surgery which may have ended their seasons already.
With Dike coming straight back into the starting XI fans will be hoping that his latest return isn’t hit by any set backs, as the American has suffered from miserable luck since his return to the Championship.
It may be somewhat of a relief that the Albion are facing fifth-tier opposition in the cup, to give the likes of Wallace and Swift time to recover before the return to league action.
But if the opportunity for some rotational players to get minutes has also been lost thanks to the myriad fitness concerns then it is a double-edged sword, especially if it leaves West Brom open to a major upset.
In other West Brom news, one “excellent” Baggies ace’s contract talks are now hanging in the balance amid uncertainty on the takeover situation.