Football League World
·1 October 2024
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·1 October 2024
We take a look at West Brom's injury concerns ahead of their clash with Middlesbrough on Tuesday night
West Bromwich Albion sit top of the Championship table despite Saturday afternoon's defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, and will be looking to strengthen their strong league position with a victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.
However, a defeat could prove costly for the Baggies as they are just three points ahead of seventh-place Watford, having accumulated 16 points from their opening seven fixtures.
Carlos Corberan's side will have been in a fairly buoyant mood in the 84th minute on Saturday, when Alex Mowatt equalised to make it 2-2, after Wednesday had held a 2-0 halftime lead.
But just two minutes later, the Owls' Anthony Musaba broke Baggies hearts with a late winner, but Corberan and co will still enjoy their top of the league status heading into the Boro clash.
With all eyes on Tuesday night now, Football League World takes a look at the latest Albion injury concerns.
Baggies forward Daryl Dike suffered an achilles injury last February, and is still unable to return to action just yet due to the long-term nature of his injury.
As reported by Birmingham World, the USA international is currently working alongside the club's medical team, and could be available for selection once more by November or December.
While Dike's physical presence up top is a clear asset, it could be argued that the Baggies are not currently feeling the full impact of his absence due to the fact that fellow striker Josh Maja has scored seven goals in as many fixtures, and currently leads the Championship's top scorer charts.
With Maja in this sort of form, it may be difficult for Dike to find his way back into Corberan's starting 11 once he does return to fitness later in the year.
As revealed by Birmingham World, midfielder Mowatt only returned to squad training on Friday, ahead of the Baggies' trip to Hillsborough on Saturday, following a recent groin injury.
The former Barnsley man was only able to appear as a substitute against Wednesday as a result of his injury setback, while his late goal could indicate that he has returned to fitness.
However, as he has recently suffered groin problems, Mowatt could once again be named on the substitutes' bench, as opposed to Corberan's starting lineup come Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Jayson Molumby has not featured for the Baggies since a 3-0 victory over Portsmouth on September 15, courtesy of a calf problem.
The Republic of Ireland international was an unused substitute during his side's defeat on Saturday, which could indicate that he is not ready for a starting 11 return just yet.
But the Baggies faithful will be hoping that Molumby, who started each of the first five games of the season, can make a swift return to action as his side look to continue their positive form.
Prior to Saturday's loss at the hands of the Owls, Corberan's men had obtained nothing but positive results, as their defeat at Hillsborough marked their first of the season.
The Baggies have won five of their opening seven Championship games, while their only draw of the season so far was a 0-0 draw with Leeds United back in August.
A point and a clean sheet against last season's play-off finalists was a respectable result for Albion, whereas Saturday's loss came as a disappointing setback.
While the Baggies have clearly displayed their quality so far this campaign, they must now show their resilience as they look to bounce back from their first defeat of the campaign.