West Brom v Preston North End injury news as 4 out and 2 doubts

West Brom host Preston North End in the EFL Championship at the Hawthorns in their first competitive game of 2025.

Chris Brunt has been in caretaker charge since Carlos Corberan’s exit on Christmas Eve, and so far he’s overseen two away matches. The Baggies suffered a 2-1 defeat to Derby County, but earned a point against Sheffield United three days later.

Preston North End have won back-to-back games, defeating Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday over the festive period. The Lilywhites find themselves in 14th, and seven points behind WBA. Here’s the latest injury and team news.

West Brom team news

Paddy McNair has now played his last game for the club following the terms of his agreement following a loan move from MLS side San Diego. He joined on a half-season loan deal, and made three appearances in total.

Alex Mowatt and Mason Holgate were both absent from West Brom’s last match. Thankfully, Mowatt’s injury is 'nothing serious' according to WBA insider DOOD. He and Holgate have 'little chance' of playing against Preston however according to Express & Star journalist Lewis Cox.

Ousmane Diakite came in for Mowatt against Sheffield United in what was just his second league start. Torbjorn Heggem was shifted to left-sided centre-back with Callum Styles coming in to left-back because of Holgate’s absence.

Semi Ajayi is out until March after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury in October. Daryl Dike is still working towards a return after feeling a small pain in his hamstring whilst recovering from successive Achilles injuries.

Out: Daryl Dike, Alex Mowatt, Mason Holgate, and Semi Ajayi.

Preston North End team news

Brad Potts and Robbie Brady are both doubtful but they do have Liam Lindsay to come back. Lindsay had been missing for the last two games due to picking up a red card just before Christmas, his second of the campaign which automatically results in a two-match suspension.

The 29-year-old has had a consistent run of games, playing 16 times in the league this season. He could provide Paul Heckingbottom with a selection headache.

Potts played on Boxing Day, but it's since emerged that he suffered a knee injury in the latter stages of the match. It's unclear how long he could be sidelined but it's highly unlikely according to the Lancashire Evening Post that he will be back for the trip to the Midlands.

Speaking to the LEP, manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “He is out, so I am not happy.

“Listen, he would have featured today, but it is what it is and he’s back when he is.

“It’s nothing serious and nothing untoward, just a bit of damage in his knee. I think you saw him hyperextend it, so again, we will just see how he is day-to-day. I would say he is unlikely (for West Brom) but we’ll see.”

Robbie Brady has been missing for the last two matches with a cracked rib. Preston are working with Brady on when he doesn't feel as much pain, so his return date is yet unclear.

Doubt: Robbie Brady, and Brad Potts.