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Birminghamworld 5mos ago
West Brom v Preston North End: Early Championship injury news as 5 ruled out
Source:Birminghamworld

The Baggies have had the chance to cement their play-off spot for the last few weeks but have won just once in their last eight matches. Carlos Corberan's side have been fifth for a majority of the season but dropped down a place after Norwich City earned a point against Swansea City.

A point will be enough even if Hull City beat Plymouth Argyle as WBA have a superior goal difference. West Brom though can still finish fifth and that would be favourable to them as should they finish sixth then they would face whoever doesn't get promoted out of Leeds United and Ipswich Town.

Preston are West Brom's final day opponents and they don't have much to play for. The Lilywhites suffered a 3-0 defeat to Leicester City on Monday which saw them crowned champions. They have Cardiff City and Bristol City below them by a point but would be keen on finishing above 12th to continue their progression under Ryan Lowe.

It's set to be a bumper crowd in West Bromwich on the weekend with extra tickets sold out. Here's the latest injury and team news prior to Carlos Corebran and Ryan Lowe's pre-match press conference.

West Brom team newsDaryl Dike and Jayson Molumby are both out injured. Dike ruptured his Achilles in February and will miss the remainder of 2024 as he recovers. Molumby underwent surgery on a foot injury that has ruled him out since New Year's Day. Both players have been in and around the training ground but won't be seen again this term.

Josh Maja played for the under-21s team against Leeds United on Monday evening and got a brace. The 25-year-old was an unused substitute against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. He has been out for several months with an ankle injury but has made a gradual return since appearing against Rotherham United on April 10.

Matt Phillips made his first start since returning from injury at the weekend against Wednesday. He played as a wing-back and it will be interesting to see whether he holds down the role.

Out: Daryl Dike and Jayson Molumby.

Preston North End team news Ali McCann is out with a thigh injury that he picked up against Huddersfield Town. The Northern Ireland international won't play again this season.

Brad Potts is another player that won't play any further part this term. He was ever present until a hamstring injury derailed his campaign and he hasn't played since mid-March.

Midfielder Ben Whiteman suffered an ankle injury in early March and his season is believed to be over. In his pre-match press conference with the Lancashire Evening Post prior to their game against Leicester, Ryan Lowe said: "Whitey won't be anywhere near.

"Pottsy is on the grass, but there is no need to push them through - just in case they get re-injured. Ali McCann is the same, so the likelihood of them missing the next two games is very high.

"Pottsy might be back for a couple of days training, towards the back end, but it's a risk element then isn't it? Other than that, the squad will be the squad we've been going with for a little while."

Out: Ali McCann, Ben Whiteman and Brad Potts.