Carlos Corberán gives the most recent information on the players who can face Leeds United.
West Brom has had its fair share of injury issues thus far this season, despite the fact that incomings have been scarce.
West Brom has had a mixed bag of results so far this season; a loss to Blackburn Rovers on opening weekend was not the way Corberán would have wanted things to get going.
Following a quick trip to Staffordshire, the EFL Cup was abandoned after another 2-1 loss to Stoke City.
But much to the pleasure of the home support, the anticipated return to the Hawthorns produced a considerably better outcome.
With 20 minutes left to play against Swansea City, goals from Semi Ajayi and John Swift, as well as an own goal by Carl Rushworth, gave the Baggies a 3-0 lead. While all was going on, the Jacks staged a late comeback to worry the Baggies. Goals from Nathan Wood and Harry Darling caused a tense conclusion, but Albion was able to cling on for the three points.
With certain areas understaffed and others getting ready for what is expected to be a dramatic 46-game season, the Spanish head coach will be hopeful some players will return to the fold for the upcoming match against Leeds United.
How is Brandon Thomas-Asante’s injury progressing?
With Daryl Dike out for the foreseeable future, Brandon Thomas-Asante was the only senior striker within the Albion ranks going into pre-season.
The former Salford City star picked up an ankle injury in the cup defeat to Stoke City – a game in which he scored the equaliser.
The 24-year-old did not feature against Swansea City and Corberán says it will be touch and go to see if he will be ready for selection at Elland Road.
Speaking to WBA TV, he said: “Unfortunately Brandon Thomas-Asante is still a doubt.
“We need to wait and see what happens in training with him to see if he’ll be available for the game with Leeds.
“He received a strong kick against Stoke City and he had that complaint until the end of the game. It shows he can play with pain because he was playing with an injury, but after it’s been impossible for him to train, until today (Thursday).”
Will Grady Diangana be back in time to play Leeds United?
Grady Diangana’s journey to West Yorkshire probably comes too soon for him given that he hasn’t played since February; his most recent appearance for the blue and white was a 2-0 victory against Middlesbrough at the Hawthorns.
He is scheduled to finish a full week of training, therefore he might be included in the squad when Albion plays Boro again the following weekend, according to Joe Chapman of Birmingham Live.
The 25-year-old, who missed the most of preseason due to injury as he attempts to get back up to speed for the several games that lie ahead, is unlikely to receive any starting minutes anytime soon.
Will one of the new additions face Leeds United in the starting lineup?
While Josh Maja received his first minutes in Albion colours against Swansea, playing the final 15 minutes, it is unlikely the former Sunderland man will be ready to line the line from the off anytime soon.
Signing on a free transfer from Bordeaux, the 24-year-old has not got a full preseason under his belt after only joining the club at the start of the month. The player will likely make another cameo at Elland Road with the travelling support hoping to see a late goal from their new star man.
While Jeremy Sarmiento has participated in all three of West Brom’s appearances so far this season, he is expected to be farther ahead in Corberán’s starting intentions.
After last weekend’s success, Albion will probably continue playing with a forward three of John Swift, Matt Phillips, and Jed Wallace; however, if the Baggies are in desperate need of a spark of creativity, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Brighton loanee enter the lineup much earlier.
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