WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Andrew Nestor CEO of BILKUL Football poses during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton FC at The Hawthorns on February 16, 2024 in West Bromwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)
Portsmouth v West Brom early injury news as five out and four doubts.
West Brom travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth in their first Championship game back after the international break.
These two sides would often meet during the ‘Barclays’ era of the Premier League, and now after a 12-year exile from the Championship, Portsmouth are back. They’ve yet to win a game this season, but have three points on the board after draws against Middlesbrough, Luton Town, and Leeds United.
This is the first competitive fixture between the two sides since April 2009, and West Brom’s last success down on the South Coast came in December 2004. Here’s the latest injury and team news prior to the international break ending, and each manager’s pre-match press conferences.
West Brom team news
Grady Diangana suffered a shoulder injury against Stoke City, and that ruled him out against Swansea City. It wasn’t as bad as initially feared, but Diangana must prove he can get through the pain barrier.
Striker Daryl Dike remains sidelined but is making positive strides towards his return. He’s been out since February after suffering a successive Achilles injury, this time on the opposite leg. A return to training is in sight, and he could make a return to action in the coming months.
No time frame has been placed on the return of star striker Colby Bishop. He underwent heart surgery in the summer, and by the admission of their sporting director Richard Hughes, he’s on the road to recovery.
Regan Poole is still working towards a return. He’s been out for just under year after suffering an ACL injury in an FA Cup tie against Chesterfield. It’s likely that Poole will have to prove his fitness by getting some minutes under his belt, rather than being thrown in at the deep end.
