West Brom urged to secure player return in January amid big issue Carlos Corberan is facing | OneFootball

FLW's West Brom fan pundit has highlighted one key issue impacting the club at the minute

West Brom are in the mix for promotion to the Premier League this season.

Carlos Corberan’s side have made a strong start to the campaign, and are in the battle for a play-off place, and even potentially a top two spot.

The Baggies finished fifth in the previous term, but missed out on promotion after losing their semi-final clash with Southampton.

The Midlands outfit will be aiming to go one step closer this year, and return to the top flight for the first time since 2021.

However, the team’s form has been far from perfect in recent weeks, and West Brom will need to iron out issues if they are to overcome their current rivals for a place in the Premier League.

When asked what the biggest issue at the club is at the moment, FLW’s West Brom fan pundit Callum Burgess identified their current injury problems in defence.

He believes that recalling Caleb Taylor in the January transfer window could be a smart move to alleviate the concerns at the back for the second half of the season.

“At the moment, the club’s biggest issue is probably injuries in defence,” Burgess told Football League World.

“Paddy McNair [is] ruled out for a few weeks, still, we might not see him before his loan ends at Christmas, where he will return to San Diego.

“Kyle Bartley is out for a few weeks, and with him being quite old in his 30’s now, we don’t know how he’s going to recover, if he’s even going to be able to play every week.

“Also, Semi Ajayi had a bad injury as well, so I think to combat this, recalling Caleb Taylor would seem like an easy decision to make in January.

“He’s took to life at Wycombe Wanderers like a duck to water in League One.

“I think if he returns in January, he’s got an opportunity where he can end up making that centre-back position his own.

“Whether it’s Heggem into left-back, he can play alongside Mason Holgate, or he might end up taking Holgate’s position.

“If he gets a strong run of games, he might have a similar impact to Alex Palmer had two seasons ago when he returned from loan, then he eventually took David Button’s position and since he’s been our number one.

“I think if there’s ever [going to be a] chance for Caleb Taylor to come in and make a claim for himself in the Albion defence, this is one of the best opportunities he’s ever going to get.”

Caleb Taylor’s Wycombe stint

Taylor has been unable to break into Corberan’s first team plans so far, which led to a move to Wycombe during the summer.

Since the loan switch, the defender has made 10 appearances in League One and he has played a role in helping them sit top of the third division table.

The 21-year-old has been impressive in Matt Bloomfield’s side, earning plenty of plaudits for his performances.

However, it remains to be seen whether a return to the Hawthorns in January is something the club would consider.

Caleb Taylor could solve defensive issues for West Brom

Taylor hasn’t been given the opportunity to really show what he can do at West Brom, but perhaps January could be his time to shine.

The defender has done well in League One, and it’s something the Baggies have to consider at this stage.

It would be risky, and a full season in the third tier might be the best move for his development.