West Brom boss hopeful for imminent clarity on wing star - as new recruit speaks
One of Albion’s most influential attackers has been hit with a worrying setback on his way back from a lengthy absence.
James Morrison is hopeful Albion will learn the extent of star winger Mikey Johnston’s setback imminently.
Republic of Ireland international was fighting back from a broken ankle suffered in February and did feature in the EFL Cup opener at Rotherham early last month.
But Johnston, 27, has missed the last three matchday squads after it was confirmed he had a minor setback to the issue.
The specific details of that blow have yet to be expanded on, with more tests taking place.
Head coach Morrison said on Tuesday: “They are still doing tests on him. It should be not too much longer but fingers crossed.”
Johnston is now one of the club’s longest-serving players. There was some interest in the former Celtic trickster’s services this summer but, having initially arrived on loan in January 2024, Johnston remains in place at The Hawthorns.
The club’s sole deadline day recruit, meanwhile, insists he is raring to go in the pressure cooker of English football.
French right-back Brayann Pereira, 23, checked in from NEC Nijmegen for £1million as competition for compatriot Nolan Galves and Alex Williams.
“This will be my first experience of English football and I am expecting a lot of intensity,” Pereira said. “English competitions have a lot of intensity in them and players have to do a lot of running. I like these kind of things – I like to run, go into duels.
“I think the English competition is the best competition for me. I have a strong mentality.”
Pereira added: “I spoke with the manager. He said that I am fast and strong and that will help the team.
“He told me the team want to play good football and keep the ball. I like to play football too and keep the ball, so, hopefully, we can have a good season.”