West Bromwich Albion Faces Defensive Crisis with Key Players Sidelined

West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan anticipates that Semi Ajayi will be sidelined for approximately four months after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury. Ajayi has been a key component of an Albion defensive unit that has allowed only seven goals in their initial 12 league matches. In addition to Nigeria international Ajayi, Corberan is also without fellow defenders Kyle Bartley and loanee Paddy McNair. McNair sustained a hamstring injury and exited Saturday’s goalless home Championship draw against Cardiff City just four minutes in, with an expected recovery period of eight weeks. Vice-captain Bartley is projected to be unavailable for four to six weeks due to a knee issue. Torbjorn Heggem, a summer acquisition primarily signed as a centre-back, has until now been deployed at left-back. However, he moved to the central defence to cover for McNair during the match against Cardiff and is anticipated to stay in that position for Friday night’s away game against Luton. This comes as Albion, currently struggling, aim to break their six-match winless streak against the Hatters. Corberan stated to BBC Radio WM, “We’re talking about three specific centre-backs who have had injuries at the same time, all within a week.” He added, “It will be a challenge for us.” Compounding Corberan’s injury concerns, USA international striker Daryl Dike’s comeback has been postponed until next year following a muscle injury. He has been sidelined since February due to an Achilles tendon issue. The timing of this triple setback for Albion is particularly unfortunate, as they are scheduled to play Luton. The Hatters possess what is arguably the most formidable attacking duo in the league, Elijah Adebayo and Carlton Morris. Since joining forces at Luton in August 2022, the two forwards have collectively scored 57 goals and were instrumental in securing their club’s first-ever promotion to the Premier League two seasons prior. Corberan does have additional potential defensive options in two other summer recruits: Gianluca Frabotta and Everton loanee Mason Holgate. Holgate made his debut appearance since his deadline day arrival, playing an 11-minute substitute role against Cardiff. However, the 6ft 3in Norwegian Heggem, who has become a fan favorite after starting all 12 league matches at left-back, is anticipated to be selected to contend with the aerial prowess of Morris and former Walsall striker Adebayo. Despite only making 12 Championship starts for West Bromwich Albion, Torbjørn Heggem has already inspired his own chant among the Baggies supporters. Corberan commented, “We still have players like Heggem, who has played at left-back at an amazing level and can find his level too as a centre-back.” He continued, “He has played there before, which is one of the reasons why we brought him in. [Mason] Holgate is another, similar to Heggem, who can manage these positions.” “There are players who can allow me to keep playing with a back four or find an alternative,” Corberan explained. “Within a line of five, you have players like Ousmane Diakite, who hasn’t played as a centre-back in his career but, we think, can adapt.” He added, “[Gianluca] Frabotta is a pure left-back or wing-back but we are developing some of his skills as one of three centre-backs.” Carlos Corberan’s comments were made during an interview with Steve Hermon of BBC Radio WM.