Lewis Cox shares new Grady Diangana selection update ahead of West Brom FA Cup clash v Wolves
Lewis Cox has suggested that West Brom may well be able to call upon Grady Diangana for their clash with Wolves if DR Congo are knocked out of the African Cup of Nations.
Diangana’s side play their final group game of the tournament on Wednesday (24 January) and should they lose or draw to Tanzania, they could well crash out at the earliest possible stage of the AFCON, depending on other results in their group.
Should Diangana’s tournament come to an end on Wednesday, the Express & Stars’ Cox believes that the 25-year-old will be available for the Baggies’ FA Cup fourth-round clash with Wolves on Sunday (28 January).
Speaking on the Baggies Broadcast podcast (23 January, 44:00) he said: “A positive result, by my very basic quick maths, would see DR Congo through. Anything else in their final game against Tanzania who are bottom, I think they’d be out.
“So I think he’d get back. I think Albion would get Diangana back for Sunday. Now we have to confirm that at the presser in the week, but Wednesday night, Sunday morning. Why shouldn’t he be back? He should be back by you’d expect the close of play on Thursday if DR Congo are knocked out.
“I wouldn’t necessarily expect Grady to start.”
Could be huge
Most West Brom supporters had resided themselves to the idea that they would be without Diangana for a little while longer, but there is a very good chance he could be set to return sooner than anybody expected.
The 25-year-old hasn’t played a minute at the AFCON so far, so fitness won’t be an issue. He should be physically prepared to step back into the fold against Wolves if the DR Congo are knocked out on Wednesday.
While no Albion fan will want to see one of their stars crash out of the group stages of an international tournament, most West Brom supporters will be keeping an eye on this game wanting to see DR Congo slip to a disappointing defeat.
Diangana has played a huge part in West Brom’s season so far and their chances of beating Wolves will be helped massively, should the winger be fit and available for Sunday’s showdown.
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