Mikey Johnston Faces Extended Injury Setback for West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a significant blow with confirmation that midfielder Mikey Johnston faces an “extended period” on the sidelines after another setback with his ankle.

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

Albion’s director of medical Tony Strudwick described the situation as “a complex injury” and admitted the club cannot yet predict when Johnston will be back.

“Mikey had an initial fracture to his ankle at Oxford. This healed and enabled us to build him up over pre-season as part of a reduced load,” Strudwick told the club’s website.

The comeback looked carefully managed. Johnston played 45 minutes against Notts County and Coventry, added 25 minutes against Peterborough, then stepped up to 30 minutes of competitive football against Rotherham.

Then the pain returned.

A fresh scan revealed further damage to the ankle, forcing Albion to halt his progress. The club have sought opinions from two of the leading ankle specialists in the country and put Johnston on a new treatment plan that, crucially, does not currently involve surgery.

Johnston rejoined Albion from Celtic in August 2024 after a successful four-month loan at The Hawthorns and has gone on to make 99 appearances for the club in all competitions.

That 100th outing will have to wait.