West Brom: Carlos Corberan shares Kyle Bartley injury update | OneFootball

West Brom boss Carlos Corberan explained how injury forced Kyle Bartley to miss the Blackburn game.

West Brom boss Carlos Corberan revealed that Kyle Bartley has a knee issue that must be managed carefully, which is why he missed the draw at Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night.

The 33-year-old had been an ever-present leading into the fixture at Ewood Park, and he has performed well this season, so it was a surprise when he wasn’t in the squad.

In fairness, Albion coped without the centre-back well, as Paddy McNair stepped in alongside Semi Ajayi as the Baggies recorded another clean sheet.

Kyle Bartley injury latest

However, Bartley remains an influential figure for Corberan, but the boss told the Express & Star that inflammation around the knee caused the former Leeds man to miss the game, as he indicated it’s something they are constantly monitoring.

“He had a problem in the knee that was sore. In training on Tuesday he was feeling that he couldn't recover. He has been receiving treatment today (Wednesday) and let's see for the weekend.

“No scan. From the beginning he had a problem with the meniscus and from time to time the knee reacts with inflammation. When he has inflammation he hasn't had the normal mobility.

“During the year we've managed this week. In the weeks where we train the full week he never makes all the training because we manage the number of days in a row. On the pitch in games some games can affect it more than other ones.”

West Brom’s defensive depth

The fact Albion can bring in a proven Championship performer like McNair shows that they have suitable cover for Bartley, and another option would be to shift Torbjorn Heggem from full-back to centre-back if they needed to as well.

So, Corberan has options, and the team were very solid and resolute against Blackburn last night, with McNair and Ajayi coping with what Rovers threw at them.

Nevertheless, it’s still a shame to be missing Bartley, and whilst McNair is a good player, he doesn’t have the same physicality or aerial prowess. Plus, Bartley has emerged as a leader in this team over the years, so the boss will want him back out on the pitch as quickly as possible.

The fact it’s an injury they were aware of, and one they constantly manage, indicates it’s nothing serious, but they obviously didn’t want to take any risks after he felt some discomfort in training.

Whilst it was a decent point in isolation at Blackburn, it means Albion are now five without a win, and they have lost some ground on the top two.

Of course, it’s too early to start getting overly concerned, particularly as Corberan’s side still look strong defensively, but they have lost that cutting edge in the final third.

On paper, West Brom have a lot of quality in attack, so it’s a surprise they have been so toothless in recent weeks, and it’s something the boss will have to address.

Albion, who sit 5th in the Championship, are back in action on Saturday when they welcome a Cardiff City side to The Hawthorns who are chasing a third consecutive win.