West Brom are optimistic of Grady Diangana’s return against Portsmouth after he missed the 1-0 win over Swansea City, according to the Express & Star.
The newspaper reported via its website [10 September] that Carlos Corberan was relieved to learn his issue was not as serious as first feared after sustaining a shoulder injury against Stoke City.
The Baggies are set to face Pompey at Fratton Park on Sunday 15 September, with the hope that the 26-year-old will be fit enough to return to the squad.
Grady Diangana set for West Brom return v Portsmouth?
While John Swift has stepped into the attacking midfield position so far this season, starting each game against QPR, Leeds United, Stoke and Swansea, goal contributions have been hard to come by.
He hit the back of the net on nine occasions last term but only provided one assist, slightly lower than his six goals and nine assists from the 2022/23 campaign.
Swift is often a reliable player for Carlos Corberan but Diangana offers flair that few of his teammates can reproduce to the pitch, having notched seven goals and eight assists in the Championship last season.
Once the international break is over, Corberan will be keen for his team to continue their brilliant form, form that has taken the Baggies to second in the table, just two points behind Sunderland.
There were many concerns at The Hawthorns after a summer of multiple key departures – Brandon Thomas-Asante, Okay Yokuslu and Conor Townsend – but the Baggies have not slowed down.
Of course, it is only four matches into a 46-game league campaign but the early signs are extremely positive, and Diangana can have a huge impact if he remains fit for the majority of the season.
Given that Portsmouth are yet to claim a victory this season, however, it might be best for the forward to be rested before clashes against Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday.