Carlos Corberan allayes concerns about a new injury concern for West Brom.
In the second half of ‘s 0-0 draw with Millwall on Saturday, defender Erik Pieters hobbled off the field with an injury.
Carlos Corberan is optimistic that the injury that forced West Brom’ defender Erik Pieters to leave their goalless draw with Millwall on Saturday wasn’t a serious one as he prepares for a stretch of three games in seven days that will start the following weekend.
Before the upcoming international break, which occurs in the middle of next month, Albion will visit Preston North End, welcome Sheffield Wednesday, and go to Birmingham City all within a week. Josh Maja and Daryl Dike are already absent for Albion, so Brandon Thomas-Asante’s playing time must be carefully controlled.
The last thing Albion needs is additional concerns about key members of the first team, so when the seasoned Pieters pulled up in the second half after playing in the previous three games in eight days, there were early worry that the Dutchman had sustained a new injury.
Corberan has stated that Pieters experienced muscle tension and was removed as a result, but he is confident it is not a more significant issue.
“No, he is tight, the muscle is very tight,” he said after the game. “He was unable to continue. I don’t know for sure yet, but it appears to be a non-injury. I wasn’t prepared for Maja to be hurt and for my striker to miss eight weeks of action. Since we have a week to prepare for the next game but then it’s Saturday, Tuesday, and Friday, hopefully none of our players get injured. We can have the most challenging week possible this week.
With the exception of the unfortunate circumstance involving two thirds of his center forward department, Corberan has been content enough with the depth of his team. However, did the minutes he gave to various players who had been eagerly awaiting their opportunity support that opinion?
“I knew from the beginning that we had a good squad with different possibilities in each position,” he continued. “What we need to do is compete in the best way we can by utilizing our strength and depth.
