Mikey Johnston Faces Extended Absence Due to Ankle Setback

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a significant early-season setback with winger Mikey Johnston facing an “extended period” on the sidelines after suffering another ankle problem.

The 27-year-old has managed just one appearance this campaign – the Carabao Cup tie against Rotherham United – despite being cleared to return following a fractured ankle 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 the club cannot put a “specific timeline” on Johnston’s comeback.

Johnston’s initial fracture healed over the summer, allowing West Brom to ease him back during pre-season on a carefully managed programme. He featured for 45 minutes against both Notts County and Coventry, added 25 minutes versus Peterborough, then stepped up to 30 minutes of competitive action against Rotherham.

That was when the alarm bells rang.

Johnston reported fresh pain in the ankle, and subsequent scans revealed a further issue. West Brom sought opinions from two leading ankle specialists in the country before settling on a non-surgical treatment plan.

It means the former Celtic man, who completed a permanent move to The Hawthorns in August 2024 after a successful four-month loan spell, now faces another frustrating spell away from the pitch.