West Brom handed huge Mikey Johnston boost ahead of 2026-27 | OneFootball

The Baggies are expected to welcome Mikey Johnston back into their plans ahead of next season.

West Brom will be in the process of making plans for the 2026-27 campaign after securing their second tier status under James Morrison.

A goalless draw against promotion-chasing Ipswich Town was enough to get the Black Country outfit over the line in their quest for survival, despite the EFL's decision to deduct the Baggies two points for breaching P&S rules.

The Baggies legend has since been made the permanent head coach at The Hawthorns, penning a two-year contract and hopeful of getting the club back towards the top end of the Championship table next season.

The turnaround towards the end of the campaign was even more remarkable given Albion didn’t have their biggest creative outlet in Mikey Johnston, who missed the remainder of the term after suffering an ankle injury at Oxford United during Morrison’s first game in interim charge.

After hobbling off in the 22nd minute at the Kassam Stadium, Albion provided an update that the Republic of Ireland international had suffered a stress fracture in his ankle, with the wideman watching on from the sidelines as his teammates secured their place in the Championship for next season.

Now, according to the Express & Star, an update has emerged about when Albion can expect Johnston to return and pull on the famous blue and white stripes again.

Mikey Johnston pencilled in for late June return from ankle fracture

As per a report by West Brom’s Express & Star reporter Lewis Cox, Mikey Johnston is expected to make a fully fit and injury-free comeback to Albion’s pre-season training this summer, with late June pencilled in for his expected return.

Baggies boss James Morrison also confirmed that Johnston underwent his first running session a fortnight ago, believing he will be ‘ready’ for when the Baggies begin preparations for the 2026-27 term.

Morrison said: “He had his first running session a couple of weeks ago and is progressing well after an injury.

“It’s always nice, that first feeling when you can put your boots on and see your progression.

“Those first few weeks where you can’t really do much and you’re stuck in the gym are hard.

“When you get outside and everyone can see you it is a big boost.”

Morrison added: “He’ll have a pre-season, he will be ready.”

West Brom will be buoyed by Mikey Johnston return

After their defeat at Oxford United, it was such a bitter blow for West Brom to lose Mikey Johnston, whose nine assists emented him as their biggest creative outlet this term.

Losing such a spark in the final third, Albion’s miraculous recovery to secure survival has to be applauded even further, with the Baggies showing determination, hard work and togetherness to get themselves out of such a difficult situation.

Provided Albion can continue to show those characteristics now Morrison is in the permanent West Brom hotseat, getting Johnston back into the mix is such a huge boost, with the wideman set to be the man the Baggies rely on once again to create regular opportunities as well as to chip in with a few goals.

West Brom will be hopeful that their recruitment, particularly in the attacking areas, will be a success to somewhat ease the hefty pressure on Johnston’s shoulders, but there’s no doubt the winger will still be a massive asset to any success the Black Country outfit have in 2026-27 season.

As long as the club can relent on any transfer interest and keep Johnston on their books, then Albion supporters can hopefully look forward to seeing their team be a lot more potent and free-flowing in the final third, putting an overly dismal campaign behind them.