West Brom have been unable to call upon two senior players in recent weeks due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Winger Grady Diangana and centre-back Semi Ajayi have both been away at the tournament, representing DR Congo and Nigeria respectively.
Both countries made it to last weekend’s final round of games where DR Congo finished fourth, and Nigeria ended as runners up to hosts Ivory Coast.
That has seen Diangana and Ajayi miss numerous matches for West Brom.
However, it seems the duo have a chance to be back in action for Carlos Corberan‘s side sooner rather than later.
Grady Diangana and Semi Ajayi set for training returns
Having only completed their international duty at AFCON over the weekend, both Diangana and Ajayi missed West Brom’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City on Tuesday night.
No though, it appears as though Corberan is hopeful that the duo could feature for the Baggies come the weekend.
West Brom are in action on Friday night when they host fellow promotion chasers Southampton at The Hawthorns.
Discussing whether the pair could be available for that game, Corberan was quoted by the Birmingham Live as saying:
“We expect on Wednesday to have Grady back during the day, not in time for training but in the afternoon. He has spent all night travelling, so let’s see which conditions he arrives in tomorrow. He will make Thursday training.
“With Semi, he will arrive after Wednesday, let’s see – probably he will make the training depending on the conditions. If both are on time, they will be available – the decision if they can start will depend on how they are.”
Duo’s return will be major boost for West Brom
It would surely help the Baggies if they did have Ajayi and Diangana available for Friday’s game with Southampton.
This is a West Brom side that has been lacking in depth for much of this season. Having two more players back with the returning AFCON duo would therefore increase the options available to Corberan in a welcome way.
Indeed, centre back is an area where the club were particularly short against Cardiff City due to Ajayi’s absence, and an injury to Kyle Bartley.
Having Ajayi back and in contention to play could therefore ease some of the pressure on the Baggies in that area.
Indeed, after successful tournaments in the Ivory Coast, both players could be coming back into the side on something of a high that may lift the rest of the squad as well.
Given Southampton and West Brom are both eyeing promotion, this is also a big opportunity to pick up another crucial win. That may be further enhanced by the blow the Saints endured when their long unbeaten run came to an end at Bristol City on Tuesday.
Having a stronger squad available with the likes of Diangana and Ajayi in contention will give the Baggies a better chance of taking advantage of that.