Carlos Corberan’s words in plotting Leeds United downfall as West Brom injury update issued

Carlos Corberan is still unsure as to whether Brandon Thomas-Asante will feature for West Brom against Leeds United.

Thomas-Asante was absent in the Baggies' win over Swansea City last Saturday, and may have to sit out of their trip to Elland Road on Friday night. He suffered an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat to Stoke City, and has only returned to training today.

It could mean that West Brom are without a recognised striker for a second time, though earlier in the week there was good news on Josh Maja, who is approaching full fitness. Thomas-Asante could at least push for a place on the bench, should he hold up from the training session today.

"Unfortunately Brandon Thomas-Asante is still a doubt," said Corberan to the official club website.

We need to wait and see what happens in training with him to see if he’ll be available for the game with Leeds.

“He received a strong kick against Stoke City and he had that complaint until the end of the game. It shows he can play with pain because he was playing with an injury, but after it’s been impossible for him to train, until today (Thursday).

“We’ll see how he reacts to training.”

Corberan is returning to Leeds having once held roles as first-team coach there, working as an interpreter to Marcelo Bielsa. He was strongly linked with a return to Yorkshire earlier this year but he signed a new contract, and will now have to sample the atmosphere as an opposition coach.

Leeds are winless so far in the league with a draw against Cardiff and a defat to Birmingham City, and now Corberan has urged his players to battle against the home crowd.

“We need to be motivated to play in a big scenario on Friday night and in a big game," he said.

“They are in a transition period at the moment because I’m sure they will have arrivals and departures before the end of the transfer window, but the fact they lost the last game at Birmingham City will only make them more determined to beat us.

“They still have a lot of good players who have recently been playing in the Premier League. They have a very competitive squad and they will be one of the most competitive teams in this division this season without any doubt.

“Daniel Farke is new to the job at Leeds, but he’s not new to the job in the Championship.

“What he has achieved in the Championship is unbelievable. He has achieved two promotions with Norwich City, while playing some of the best football in the division. He is someone who is able to achieve positive results and help teams get promoted.”