Lewis Cox, a dependable writer, has provided a worrisome injury update on a “great” West Brom player ahead of their Saturday matchup with Preston North End.
With an eye toward the playoffs, West Brom
The Baggies, who began the season with great expectations of returning to the Premier League after winning the Championship, have had a successful season.
Even though Carlos Corberan’s team hasn’t achieved automatic promotion, which is something the supporters would have preferred, a postseason spot now appears likely.
But West Brom hasn’t crossed the finish line yet, as they play Preston at home in a pivotal season finale this Saturday at midday. Currently ranked sixth in the Championship and two points ahead of Hull City, Corberan’s team is aware that a win this weekend will guarantee them a longer season, setting them up for what should be a memorable day at Wembley later this month.
Given their superior goal differential, a draw should also be plenty for the Baggies. However, a Hull victory at Plymouth Argyle and a West Brom loss would complete an appalling end to the season at the Hawthorns.
Unsettling West Brom injury report
Prior to the match, Cox revealed on X that Brandon Thomas-Asante is doubtful for West Brom’s Saturday match against Preston because of a hamstring injury:”Thomas-Asante has also been treating some hamstring soreness, but there is hope.”
Cox included Corberan’s remarks about Thomas-Asante in his Express & Star story. The Baggies boss stated: “Asante couldn’t start the week well.” He was still experiencing some discomfort in his hamstring before to the last game. He continued to feel something during the minutes he was playing. Though he didn’t workout on the first day of this week, it’s a nerve, not muscle. He’s currently working out with the group as usual.”
Given the overall influence Thomas-Asante has made this season, West Brom would surely suffer if he were to miss such a crucial match. The 25-year-old has made 38 appearances in his team’s 45 Championship games, tallying two assists in addition to 11 goals.
After the 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers earlier in the season, Corberan expressed his admiration for his attacking ace, saying, “Excellent, not only for the goals but the way he was linking the play and how he was helping the team construct attacks.” What matters most about Brandon is his mindset and physical state, which allow him to play and always be there to support the team.”
The hope is that Thomas-Asante will be healthy enough to start this weekend as a replacement, but in any case, West Brom has to believe they have the talent to defeat a Preston team that doesn’t have anything to play for.
The attacker would then need to recover fully in order for the Baggies to make their Premier League comeback after three seasons away.