The options open to West Brom after new Mikey Johnston injury blow
West Brom supporters finally have an update on Mikey Johnston's injury.
The Baggies have been waiting to learn the extent of the Irishman's issue that has kept him out since the Carabao Cup clash with Rotherham on 8 August.
He featured for 25 minutes in the 4-1 victory over the League Two side, then was on the bench for the Championship opener against Norwich.
Since the Carrow Road game, he has not even been named in the Albion squad.
James Morrison had suggested that he had a suffered a setback ahead of the meeting with Watford.
The extent of that has now been revealed by The Hawthorns outfit, and it is not good news.
What is the latest on Mikey Johnston's injury?
The Black Country club have released an update on Johnston's situation.
The details of the issue were provided by Director of Medical Tony Strudwick after an extensive assessment.
He said, via the club's official website on Tuesday evening: “It’s a complex injury. Mikey had an initial fracture to his ankle back in February at Oxford. This healed and enabled us to build him up over pre-season as part of a reduced load.
“He played 45 minutes against both Notts County and Coventry, alongside 25 minutes against Peterborough and then 30 minutes of competitive action against Rotherham.
“But Mikey felt pain in his ankle again and a scan flagged a further injury. We have consulted two of the best ankle specialists in the country and he’s now following a treatment plan which does not involve surgery.
“We will not put a specific timeline on his return but we can say he will be out for an extended period of time."
The most obvious solution for West Brom
The solution that seems the most likely is the one which has worked so far for the Baggies.
That is Isaac Price, who is currently featuring from the left-flank in Johnston's absence.
The former Everton academy product has notched four goals and one assist, and has even proven that he can thrive against Premier League opposition.
His double in the Carabao Cup second round loss to Newcastle, including a stunning free-kick, showed what is capable of.
Ollie Bostock has something to prove
Ollie Bostock could be handed a chance to impress Morrison in the coming weeks.
We have already seen Harry Whitwell take his chance on the opposite side of the field.
Bostock notched two goals in the Premier League 2 clash with Derby County on 31 August, reminding the boss of his quality.
He also featured for 10 minutes against the Magpies in the same game that Price showed his class, which was his 10th senior appearance.
Barney Stewart could be given an opportunity
Barney Stewart has found it difficult to settle so far since joining the Throstles.
The Scotland Under-21 forward has been behind Aune Heggebo and Jimmy-Jay Morgan in the pecking order at striker.
He has played seven times, but only for a total of 133 minutes in those appearances.
However, the latest Johnston blow could have good implications for the 22-year-old.
Morgan could be shifted to left-wing, which would give Stewart the chance to feature more in his preferred position.