West Brom reveal Mikey Johnston blow after 'complex' setback

Albion winger Mikey Johnston is set for another extended period on the sidelines after a major setback in his recovery from a fractured ankle.

The star attacker, 27, has not featured in Championship action since the end of February, in James Morrison’s first game as caretaker boss in Oxford, after which he underwent surgery.

The injury ended Johnston’s season but after a summer of careful rehabilitation and minutes in some friendlies and in the EFL Cup season-opener at Rotherham the winger has suffered a setback to the ankle.

Johnston and the club have sourced the opinion of the two of the country’s leading ankle specialists and the Irishman will now be out of action for another prolonged period. Albion have not put a timeline on the former Celtic man’s return, but Johnston will not required further surgery.

Albion director of medical Tony Strudwick said in a club statement: “It’s a complex injury. Mikey had an initial fracture to his ankle back in February at Oxford. This healed and enabled us to build him up over pre-season as part of a reduced load.

“He played 45 minutes against both Notts County and Coventry, alongside 25 minutes against Peterborough and then 30 minutes of competitive action against Rotherham.

“But Mikey felt pain in his ankle again and a scan flagged a further injury. We have consulted two of the best ankle specialists in the country and he’s now following a treatment plan which does not involve surgery.

“We will not put a specific timeline on his return but we can say he will be out for an extended period of time.

“All of us are offering our support to Mikey and I’m sure everyone will wish him the best with his recovery. We’ll be with him every step of the way.”

Johnston was one of the Championship’s leading creative forces last season in a struggling Albion side prior to his injury.

The trickster was understood to be the subject of interest in his services during the summer transfer window. Johnston has two years on his deal at The Hawthorns.

Boss Morrison told the Express & Star during pre-season of his plans to use Johnston in a more central, ‘No.10’ role this season.

He joined the club for £3million in the summer of 2024 after a successful loan spell in the second half of 2023/24.

The Republic of Ireland international is one appearances away from clocking up 100 games in Albion colours and has scored 12 goals.