Mikey Johnston Faces Extended Absence Due to Ankle Injury

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a significant blow with midfielder Mikey Johnston ruled out for an “extended period” after suffering a fresh setback with his ankle.

The 27-year-old has managed just one appearance this season – the Carabao Cup tie against Rotherham United – despite being cleared to return following the ankle fracture he sustained in a Championship match at Oxford in February.

Albion’s director of medical Tony Strudwick described the situation as “a complex injury” and admitted there is no clear end in sight.

He told the club’s website that he could not put a “specific timeline” on Johnston’s comeback.

Johnston’s recovery initially seemed to be on track. The fracture healed, allowing West Brom to carefully build up his workload over the summer. He was eased through pre-season on a reduced programme, getting 45 minutes against both Notts County and Coventry, plus 25 minutes against Peterborough.

That steady climb led to 30 minutes of competitive action in the cup against Rotherham. Then the alarm bells rang.

Johnston reported fresh pain in the same ankle, and scans revealed a further problem. West Brom moved quickly, consulting two of the leading ankle specialists in the country. On their advice, the winger is now following a non-surgical treatment plan.

It leaves Carlos Corberán without one of his more experienced attacking options for the foreseeable future and stalls the momentum Johnston had rebuilt at The Hawthorns.

The Republic of Ireland international joined Albion permanently from Celtic in August 2024, after a successful four-month loan spell, and has gone on to make 99 appearances for the club in all competitions.

That 100th outing will have to wait.