West Brom: Bartley & Phillips unavailable in double blow ahead of Blackburn | OneFootball

West Brom head into tonight’s clash against Blackburn Rovers knowing they desperately need a victory.

After losing their last three games in the Championship, the Baggies are desperate for all three points to keep them in contention to have any chance of promotion back to the Premier League this season – however, Steve Bruce has been handed a blow ahead of the game.

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What’s the word?

The Albion manager has confirmed a double blow to the strength of the side available to play in the clash this evening, with both Kyle Bartley and Matt Phillips unavailable for selection.

On Bartley, Bruce

“He has chicken pox. At least we know what it is, he’s got to isolate for seven days. We expect him available maybe for Luton.

West Brom correspondent for The Athletic, Steve Madeley, further confirmed that Matt Phillips will be unavailable due to a foot injury;

“Matt Phillips (foot) also likely to still be missing and Livermore suspended. #WBA”

Fans will be gutted

West Brom have been in freefall winning only one of their last seven league games, with the side going from challenging for the Championship title to 9th in the league table in a matter of a few months.

Fans will be gutted to see Kyle Bartley missing from the side in such an important must win game for the Baggies, with the centre back playing a big part in the side, appearing in 27 of the last 30 league games, scoring two goals from his defensive position so far.

Matt Phillips will also be a big miss, as it has not been revealed how long he will be unavailable for following a foot injury, with the winger also offering an important role in the side after playing 23 league games, scoring three goals and bagging two assists so far this season.

Can West Brom beat Blackburn Rovers?

Bruce must capitalise on Blackburn Rovers’ own poor form, with the Ewood Park side having lost their last two games in the Championship.

A win could see the side leapfrog Nottingham Forest after they drew their game over the weekend, potentially putting the Baggies into 7th.