Why Mikey Johnston missed West Brom squad against Burnley amid future speculation
The Albion winger missed out on a place in the squad for the impressive 3-1 win over Burnley.
Albion boss James Morrison confirmed winger Mikey Johnston missed a place in the squad against Burnley due to an ankle setback.
The Republic of Ireland international has endured a frustrating 2026 due to a fractured ankle he sustained at the end of February in Oxford in Morrison’s first game as Baggies caretaker boss.
Albion were inspired and went on an incredible 10-match unbeaten run to safety under Morrison after Johnston’s season-ending blow.
Johnston, 27, did appear in parts of pre-season friendlies, including an assist from the bench at Peterborough, and played the final half hour or so of the opening day victory at Rotherham in the EFL Cup.
Subscribe now for HALF PRICE and catch every minute of our Albion coverage this season - from pre-season to the final whistle. CLICK HERE
He was an unused substitute in the tight Championship opener at Norwich, but not involved in the squad for the win against the Clarets on Sunday, which sparked debate about his future given fresh links away.
Morrison said when asked about the links: “No, that’s far off it. He’s got a knock to his ankle.”
The severity of Johnston’s ankle setback is likely to be confirmed in the coming week but his absence was a blow given the winger has been pushing to make a comeback following a summer of rehab.
He was present at The Hawthorns on Sunday to cheer on team-mates during the 3-1 victory over Burnley.
Johnston was linked to Derby County on Sunday morning but it is understood there is nothing in those links.
The winger is two years into a four-year deal at The Hawthorns, which runs until 2028.
Boss Morrison told the Express & Star in Albion’s summer pre-season schedule that he could be looking to use Johnston in a different position this season.
He is eyeing up a more central forward role for the attacker, in support of a central striker. It is a position he operated with in numerous spells at former club Celtic.
Albion’s squad lacks natural winger options and the position is a priority for boss Morrison to fill before the transfer deadline on Tuesday week, September 1.