Club News

Defensive duo return to training

Albion have been handed a boost midway through the international break with the news that Kieran Gibbs and Tosin Adarabioyo have returned to training.

The pair missed Sky Bet Championship wins over Swansea City and Brentford but Head of Science and Medicine Andy Leaver says they will be back in contention for Friday night’s derby clash with Birmingham City, and also gave an update on the fitness of Matt Phillips. 

“Kieran (hip) and Tosin (hamstring) are now back in training,” explained Andy.

“They’ve worked hard over the break, as has Matt who continues to make progress as well.”

It means that, despite the Baggies having already featured in more fixtures this campaign than in the whole of the 2017/18 season, Jimmy Shan will have close to a fully fit squad to choose from when Blues visit The Hawthorns - a testament to the hard work once again put in by Albion’s science and medical team.

“We’ve already played as many games so far this season as we did throughout all of last so to be in a healthy position on the injury front is heartening,” added Andy.

“We’re currently operating at an availability ratio of 92.7% and that is pleasing for the medical team. The FIFA benchmark for excellence is at 90% so we will be doing everything we can to maintain these levels over the final phase of the season.

“It’s a testament to the attitude of the players and also the hard work and expertise of the science and the medical team."

  • Home