Boost for Bilic as Kieran returns to fitness
SLAVEN Bilic will have Kieran Gibbs available when West Brom return to Championship action at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
The former England and Arsenal defender has been dogged by injuries, restricting him to just five appearances this season.
He has not featured since a groin issue forced him off during the 1-1 draw at Derby in August.
Gibbs regained fitness, but broke a toe in training during the September international break and only now has he fully recovered.
The full-back has reported no fresh setbacks since returning to full training last week and is in contention for a place in the squad.
His availability is a welcome boost for
Bilic with Nathan Ferguson serving the third and final game of his suspension this weekend.
Conor Townsend has deputised admirably at left-back in the last two matches, which West Brom won without conceding, and will likely continue in that role on Saturday with Gibbs as back-up on the bench.
It’s in midfield where Bilic has major selection concerns. Captain Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers, who have formed a formidable partnership as Albion’s two holding midfielders, are both suspended having earned their fifth bookings last time out against Hull.
Bilic could push Semi Ajayi into midfield and partner Ahmed Hegazi with Kyle Bartley in the centre of defence.
That option will only be open if Hegazi comes back from international duty unscathed after starting Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Morocco yesterday.
But after successive clean sheets for the first time this season, Bilic will be reluctant to chop and change things at the back.
The Croatian, who has lost only one of his 16 league games in charge of the Baggies, has a plethora of midfielders to choose from.
Club captain Chris Brunt, Rekeem Harper and Filip Krovinovic are all plausible options, it’s just about finding the right balance.
The game would have been tailormade for Gareth Barry had the veteran midfielder not been out of action for so long. Barry underwent knee surgery in April and, although he returned to training several weeks ago, could not be picked for first-team or reserve games while a legal wrangle with former club Everton rumbled on behind the scenes.
That dispute was resolved earlier this month allowing the former Premier League winner to sign a contract for the remainder of the season.
But Barry will not be thrown straight into action with Bilic keen for the 38-year-old to make at least two appearances for the Under-23s before considering him.
Like Barry, winger Chris Willock is yet to feature this season, although the former Arsenal man has played seven games for the Under-23s.