West Brom: Andi Weimann update for Plymouth Argyle as surprise Southampton absence explained
Andi Weimann is back in contention for West Brom against Plymouth Argyle after remaining on the bench throughout the loss to Southampton, according to Matt Maher.
The Express & Star journalist reported via Twitter on 19 February that the Austrian had been ill for the 2-0 defeat and unable to join the action, but is now well again for the long Tuesday-night trip.
Tony Brown had been “very surprised” on BBC Radio WM on 16 February after the Bristol City loanee had remained seated throughout the 90 minutes, despite the Baggies chasing the game in front of incoming owner Shilen Patel, but the reason has now emerged.
Maher wrote: “Andi Weimann back fit and available for WBA at Plymouth tomorrow after missing out on Friday’s defeat to Southampton through illness.
“Striker was named on the bench against the Saints but wasn’t well enough to take part.”
Andi Weimann left out for West Brom vs Southampton due to illness
Since the 32-year-old had made such a strong start to life at The Hawthorns, with two goals and an assist in his first four appearances, he seemed an obvious option for a big home occasion against a promotion rival.
That Carlos Corberan didn’t name him in the starting XI could have been put down to rotation, but the fact that a triple-substitution in the second half didn’t see Weimann come on left plenty of fans as baffled as Bomber Brown.
The move was strange enough in itself as it saw three of the top Baggies threats removed when one goal down, with Jed Wallace, John Swift and Mikey Johnston all coming off, but the Weimann element has at least now been explained.
It possibly begs the question as to why he was even among the substitutes at all if he wasn’t able to be called upon in the exact situation he would be most needed, and contributed to what was ultimately an odd night on Friday.
The news about the Patel takeover suggested it might be a night of celebration, but a flat start and an early red card for the manager meant it proved to be a disappointment.
But if Weimann is back in the running to feature in the midweek fixture it should put the Albion in a better position to bounce back to the previous defeat.
In other West Brom news, ticket prices have been predicted to rise after the takeover in what will be a stretch for some fans.
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