West Brom vs Preston injury news - as one player confirmed out and three doubtful

West Bromwich Albion will be hoping to continue their blistering run of form as they play host to Preston North End in the Championship on Thursday evening. Fresh off the back of a 2-0 victory away at Bristol City, the Baggies are now just three points outside the top six after 24 games played.

New manager Carlos Corberan, who took over West Brom in 24th place, has extraordinarily led his side to six wins in just eight matches since arriving at the Hawthorns. The prospects for the season could not be more different from what they were a couple of months ago, as is the massive impact Corberan has had.

Preston, who are two points above West Brom in 10th, have had a decent season and are by no means an easy opposition to face. With 24 goals conceded, only Sheffield United (21) can better North End’s defensive record and they are very much in the race for the playoffs.

As the league standings are so tight as it stands, with just three points separating fifth and 16th, this clash could prove to be a very important one for the top six race - especially with both sides starting to dream of a potential promotion. There is not really much of a difference between them on the injury news front, either.

What is the injury news ahead of West Brom vs Preston?

The Baggies were without experienced centre half Kyle Bartley for the Boxing Day win over Bristol City, and he is expected to miss out again with the Preston game coming around a little too quickly. Corberan revealed post-match that Bartley, who was nearly back from a thigh issue, is set to have a scan after he felt some discomfort in training.

Semi Ajayi was back in the matchday squad for the trip south west and the Nigerian international could challenge Erik Pieters for a spot. The former Stoke City man has been filling in as a makeshift centre half with Albion suffering a few injuries in defence of late. Ajayi may struggle to come back in right away, though, with a clean sheet last time out.

Preston meanwhile have a trio of doubts, with manager Ryan Lowe confirming he needs to be careful to not bring in injury returnees Alan Browne, Ali McCann and Emil Riis too quickly. Even though they all featured off the bench on Boxing Day, Lowe admitted they had ‘come back too soon’ following discussions with the medical staff.

Ruled out: Bartley (WBA).

Doubts: Browne, McCann, Riis (PNE).