West Bromwich Albion midfielder Mikey Johnston faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a complex ankle injury. The 27-year-old, who has made 99 appearances for the club, will miss a significant portion of the Championship season according to a report from the BBC this week.
Tony Strudwick, the club's director of medical, described the issue as a complex injury with no specific timeline for a return. Johnston has not undergone surgery and is following a tailored treatment plan. This news comes as a significant setback for Carlos Corberán's side, who currently sit 6th in the Championship with 10 points from their opening five games.
What is the nature of Mikey Johnston's injury?
The injury is a recurrence of a problem that first surfaced in February. Johnston initially fractured his ankle during a Championship match away at Oxford United. "Mikey had an initial fracture to his ankle at Oxford," Tony Strudwick explained. "This healed and enabled us to build him up over pre-season as part of a reduced load."
He was declared fit and featured in several pre-season friendlies, playing 45 minutes against both Notts County and Coventry City, plus 25 minutes against Peterborough United. His only competitive action this season came in a 30-minute Carabao Cup appearance against Rotherham United. However, the underlying complexity of the injury has now forced him out of action for what the club terms an "extended period."
How does this affect West Brom's season?
Johnston's absence is a major blow to the squad's depth and attacking options from midfield. The Baggies have started the season solidly, recording three wins, one draw, and one loss from their first five league matches. Their recent form reads WDLWW, and they have scored eight goals while conceding six, giving them a +2 goal difference.
They find themselves just one point behind early leaders West Ham United in a tight title race. Losing a player of Johnston's experience, who joined from Celtic in August 2024, disrupts Corberán's plans during a busy period. Fans can track the team's progress and the latest player availability on the club's official injuries and standings pages.
What is West Brom's immediate schedule?
The team must now prepare for their next challenge without Johnston. They host Queens Park Rangers at The Hawthorns on Saturday, 12 September 2026. QPR currently sit 4th in the table, making it a important early-season clash between two promotion hopefuls.
This fixture kicks off a demanding run of Championship games where squad rotation and depth will be tested. Supporters looking ahead can view the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. Managing the workload of remaining players will be key for Corberán and his staff as they aim to maintain their position in the top six.
Who will need to step up in midfield?
With Johnston joining the list of currently sidelined players, other midfielders in the squad will see increased responsibility. The manager will likely look to his existing options to provide creativity and drive from the center of the park. This situation may also influence tactical decisions, potentially shifting the balance of the team's setup in certain matches.
The club's medical team, led by Strudwick, will continue to manage Johnston's rehabilitation closely. "It's a complex injury," Strudwick stated, emphasizing the careful approach required. The focus is on a full and sustainable recovery, rather than rushing him back onto the pitch. The next fixture for West Bromwich Albion is at home to QPR on 12 September.
