Mikey Johnston absence for West Brom v Burnley explained amid future links | OneFootball

Mikey Johnston was left out of West Brom’s squad for the 3-1 win over Burnley because of an ankle knock, not any transfer move. Albion boss James Morrison said: “No, that’s far off it. He’s got a knock to his ankle.”

The Republic of Ireland winger fractured an ankle in Oxford at the end of February, in Morrison’s first game as caretaker, which ended his season. Albion then put together a 10-match unbeaten run to secure safety.

The 27-year-old featured in pre-season, registering an assist from the bench at Peterborough, and played the final half hour of the EFL Cup win at Rotherham. He was an unused substitute at Norwich, then omitted against Burnley, which prompted fresh talk about his future.

The extent of the latest setback is likely to be clarified in the coming week, a disappointment after a summer of rehab. Johnston was at The Hawthorns on Sunday to support team-mates.

He was linked with Derby County on Sunday morning, though it is understood there is nothing in those links. Johnston is two years into a four-year deal that runs to 2028.

Morrison has been considering using Johnston in a more central forward role in support of a striker, a position he occupied on occasions at Celtic. Albion lack natural wingers and that position remains a priority before the transfer deadline on Tuesday week, September 1.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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