Mikey Johnston Faces Long Injury Setback at West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion winger Mikey Johnston faces another long spell on the sidelines after suffering a fresh setback in his recovery from an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old has managed just one appearance this season, in the Carabao Cup against Rotherham United, despite being cleared to return following the fracture he suffered in a Championship match at Oxford in February.

“A complex injury” - Tony Strudwick, Albion’s director of medical

Albion’s director of medical Tony Strudwick described the problem as “a complex injury” and admitted there is no clear return date.

He explained that Johnston’s original ankle fracture had healed, allowing the club to ease him back through pre-season on a reduced workload. The Republic of Ireland international featured for 45 minutes against both Notts County and Coventry, added 25 minutes against Peterborough, then stepped up to half an hour of competitive action in the cup tie against Rotherham.

That is when the alarm bells rang again. Johnston reported renewed pain in the ankle, and scans revealed a further issue.

West Brom moved quickly, seeking opinions from two leading ankle specialists in the country. On their advice, Johnston is now following a non-surgical treatment plan as the club try to steer him through another difficult spell of rehabilitation.

Johnston rejoined Albion from Celtic in August 2024 after a successful four-month loan at The Hawthorns and has made 99 appearances for the club in all competitions. His 100th will have to wait.