Updates on Matt Phillips’ injury have been given by Carlos Corberan following the West Brom winger’s substitution during the first half of the Baggies’ loss to Leicester City.
Josh Maja’s goal in the 89th minute gave Albion hope that they would steal a point from the Championship leaders, but Harry Winks’ goal late in stoppage time gave the visitors all three points.
much though the outcome would have been devastating enough for the fans inside The Hawthorns, Corberan’s confirmation that Phillips will miss weeks of action along with an update on Kyle Bartley and Jed Wallace has made the already terrible news much worse.
He stated, “I think it’s a hamstring injury, and when there is a hamstring injury, it’s never a short injury,” as reported by the Express & Star on December 2. Indeed, absolutely (for a few weeks at least).
“Bartley experienced hamstring fatigue during the last game; there was no specific injury, but there was a problem with the hamstring. Even though the muscle is not damaged, you still need to relax, heal, and get enough rest.
“We must monitor his development, but the current circumstances differ from those involving Wallace of Phillips. Wallace has a shoulder issue, so depending on how he heals, I believe he will be out of the squad for two to three weeks.
Alarming reports
When it comes to injuries, West Brom just can’t seem to get a break this season. It seems like a new player is always thrust into the treatment room as soon as someone else regains full fitness, so Corberan never has a fully healthy team to work with.
Phillips, who has started 18 of the 19 Championship games this season in a variety of positions, has been a key component of the Baggies’ recent success. Phillips makes the Baggies a better team every time he plays, but they will be missing him for a few weeks.
Albion supporters should not be too surprised to see Bartley back in the backline soon if his problem is simply exhaustion rather than a serious injury, given the team performs far better defensively when the 32-year-old is starting.
Wallace’s absence will last a few more weeks, but Corberan will need to find a way to use the players he still has available to find a solution as the fixtures pack a punch. The Baggies must do well since the next month or two might define the season.
