Kyle Bartley fitness update emerges after ‘huge concern’ for West Brom second leg v Southampton
Carlos Corberan has no new injury concerns for West Brom heading into Friday night’s play-off semi-final decider against Southampton at St. Mary’s, as reported by the Express & Star.
The Albion boss could have been without Kyle Bartley for the second leg after Express & Star Lewis Cox posted on X [12 May] detailing a “huge concern” that the defender was struggling with a hamstring issue almost midway through the second half of the first leg at The Hawthorns.
Bartley suffered the issue during the game with Semi Ajayi preparing to replace him in the dugout but was able to continue and inspire his team to a clean sheet – supplementing an impressive defensive record for the Baggies this term.
He is expected to start in an unchanged back four for the trip to Southampton as 90 minutes separates Albion from a potential Wembley return.
West Brom defence may win the club promotion
For all the attacking talent and top-level experience at The Hawthorns, the Albion defence are the reason the club have been able to maintain their play-off spot.
A difficult run of form late in the season drew the top-six push to the wire, a momentary scare that appeared not to faze Corberan as the Baggies subsequently rolled over Preston North End on the final day.
A clean sheet there was added to with another against a tricky opponent in Southampton – and whilst the hosts had chances on Sunday, taking one on Friday may be all they have to do should the defence revert to how they’ve performed all campaign.
Opta’s statistics computer does not give West Brom a great deal of hope at St. Mary’s, but as seen here, Albion created about as many anticipated goalscoring chances as Saints.
Too many have been too quick to write off Corberan’s men, and Southampton will feel far more pressure heading into the second leg.
In other West Brom news, there are ongoing calls for a popular attacker to be dropped.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.