West Brom Set for Double Fitness Boost Ahead of Survival Run-in
West Bromwich Albion are poised to receive a significant double fitness boost as key players Karlan Grant and Chris Mepham edge closer to returning from lengthy hamstring injuries. However, the upcoming Championship clash against Millwall on Friday night will come too soon for both players, with head coach James Morrison targeting their comebacks for the following match.
Karlan Grant's Road to Recovery
Attacker Karlan Grant has been sidelined since suffering a serious hamstring injury in the opening moments of the 1-1 draw at Derby County on January 23. He has missed the subsequent 13 matches, but took a major step forward by training with his Baggies colleagues for the first time on Thursday. Grant is now pencilled in for a return to matchday duties on Saturday week away to Preston North End in the Championship.
Head coach James Morrison expressed optimism about Grant's progress, stating in his Thursday press conference: "Karlan Grant is in his first day back training, so hopefully he'll be available in the squad for Preston, all being well." The long-serving attacker's return could provide a crucial boost as Albion navigate the final stages of the season.
Chris Mepham's Comeback Timeline
Centre-back Chris Mepham has also been out of action since February 7, when he sustained a hamstring injury late in a goalless home draw with Stoke City. He has missed 11 matches but is now back in full training and set to be available for the trip to Deepdale on April 18. Morrison noted that Mepham might need a little extra time, saying: "Chris Mepham is training, he might just need a little bit longer, so hopefully he's back for Preston."
Both players' returns could not come at a more critical time as West Brom look to secure their Championship status in the survival run-in. Their absence has been felt in recent matches, and their availability will provide Morrison with more defensive and attacking options.
Update on Tammer Bany's Situation
Morrison also provided a new update on attacking midfielder Tammer Bany, who has played just a handful of minutes for the club all season. The 22-year-old underwent surgery on a thigh injury around the turn of the year and Albion are taking extra care with his rehabilitation. The club is aiming for a potential return to availability at home to Ipswich Town on the penultimate weekend of the Championship campaign.
Bany, a Jordan international hopeful for this summer's World Cup, has featured more for his national team than for Albion this term. His sole action for the Baggies came in a stoppage-time cameo from the bench in the 3-1 defeat at QPR on December 6. Since his £3.3million move from Randers in Denmark in January 2025, he has made only five substitute appearances.
The return of Grant and Mepham, along with the potential comeback of Bany, could significantly strengthen West Brom's squad as they face a challenging end to the season. With Millwall pushing for promotion, Friday's match will be a tough test, but the imminent return of key players offers hope for the Baggies' survival prospects.
