West Bromwich Albion will assess Matt Phillips ahead of this week’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday, with the winger’s injury not anything serious.

Phillips missed his first game of the season on Saturday afternoon, with the 27-year-old struggling with a muscle strain.

Despite the absence of Phillips, West Brom managed to record a 3-2 victory over Preston North End, which moved Darren Moore’s side to the top of the Championship table for the first time this season.

Moore will be hoping his side can stay there this week, with the Baggies taking on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Wednesday evening.

Phillips could return to boost the Baggies at Hillsborough, with Moore telling the Express and Star that his injury wasn’t serious: “We’re assessing him. We’ll have a look at it for Wednesday.

“It’s nothing too serious or bad, we just felt with the relentless schedule, you can’t risk people because there are games around the corner. We’ll have a look at him for Wednesday.”

Phillips has been used as the right wing-back in Moore’s 3-4-1-2 system, with the ex-Blackpool flyer returning four goals and one assist in a new role.

It was Tyrone Mears who stepped in to replace Phillips at the weekend, with the 35-year-old helping the Baggies to a 3-2 win at Deepdale.

Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle were on the scoresheet again for Albion, with their goals coming either side of Ben Davies’ own goal.

The Verdict  

Phillips has been influential this season for West Brom, thriving in a new position on the right.

He wasn’t missed too much at the weekend, but Moore won’t want to be without Phillips for too long.

Getting him back as soon as possible will be a priority, although Moore will be cautious of rushing back the player this early in the season. 

Thoughts? Let us know!

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