West Brom are expected to lose two key players in January as the African Cup of Nations returns.
Carlos Corberan has had an injury crisis to contend with throughout this campaign. As the injury list begins to shorten, Corberan could be about to lose two key players for other reasons.
Sky Sports have suggested that there are two names that could be leaving The Hawthorns for AFCON in January.
The two players that Corberan could see go, just happen to also be important to his team and therefore will be difficult to replace.
But there’s little that can be done so West Brom will need to attempt to find solutions to these absentees.
Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana are the duo who are more than likely to be AFCON-bound, but how will Corberan replace them?
Semi Ajayi – Nigeria
West Brom defender Semi Ajayi is the first player who could be set for an international call-up in January. One of the first names on the team sheet for Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro, the 30-year-old has now earned 28 caps for his country.
In the most recent international break, he featured against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, playing 90 minutes in each game.
Ajayi for the Baggies is more of a super sub and tends to have a brilliant impact on games when he is brought on.
In his absence, Caleb Taylor is likely to see himself be the direct replacement as the first-choice defender from the bench.
Corberan should be okay with his defensive options given he has praised how deep the department is.
Grady Diangana – DR Congo
Grady Diangana could feature in his first-ever AFCON this winter after switching his allegiance earlier this year from England to DR Congo.
The Albion winger made his debut for Congo in October, featuring against New Zealand before he earned a second cap against Sudan over this international break.
Diangana will be a tough player to replace for West Brom and Jeremy Sarmiento may be required to step up given he is the most obvious replacement.
The signing of Kwame Poku could also minimise the effect that Diangana heading to AFCON has.