West Bromwich Albion Receive Major Squad Boost Ahead of Preston Trip
West Bromwich Albion manager James Morrison has confirmed a significant boost to his squad options for Saturday's Championship clash against Preston North End in the north west. The Baggies return to on-pitch action after a week dominated by headlines about the club's EFL charge for an alleged financial breach, with Morrison determined to keep focus on securing enough points from the final four fixtures to ensure safety.
Trio Return to Full Training and Availability
The squad is bolstered by the return to availability of attacker Karlan Grant, defender Chris Mepham, and attacking midfielder Tammer Bany for the Preston match. All three players have participated in full training this week, marking a welcome development for the team.
Grant and Mepham have both endured lengthy absences due to serious hamstring injuries. Grant has not featured since the draw at Derby on January 23, while Mepham has been sidelined since the home stalemate against Stoke on February 7. Meanwhile, Bany has been a forgotten figure this season, with just a handful of minutes and five substitute appearances since his arrival at The Hawthorns 14 months ago, following surgery on a torn thigh earlier this year.
Manager's Positive Outlook on Returning Players
Morrison expressed his delight at having the trio back in training, stating, "It was nice not just for me, I think for the lads. Seeing experienced players come back in gives us a different dimension. It gives them a chance to build their fitness up and be available for selection when we need them. They're available for the squad." He added that with 23 players now in contention, competition for places is fierce, calling it "a good problem to have."
Injury Setback and Key Returns
In a minor setback, academy graduate midfielder Harry Whitwell sustained a knock in training and is expected to miss the Preston clash. However, Grant's return is particularly timely given long-term injuries to wide attackers Mikey Johnston and Jed Wallace, which have stretched the squad's resources.
Morrison highlighted the importance of Grant's comeback, saying, "He was a big miss when he got injured because I felt he was at the top of his game. Not just his ability, I think just for the group, what he brings in terms of his personality, his leadership qualities. He leads in different ways. He's quite vocal in the dressing room. He'll say his point when he needs to say his point. Going into the four games, he's a big plus to have him back around it."
As West Bromwich Albion prepare for the crucial trip to Preston, the availability of Grant, Mepham, and Bany provides a much-needed lift, offering Morrison enhanced options as the team aims to secure their Championship status amidst ongoing off-field challenges.
