‘Would Be a Risk’ – West Brom Summer Signing Mason Holgate to Miss Blackburn Rovers Tie After Oxford United Absence
West Bromwich Albion will be without summer signing Mason Holgate for their upcoming Championship clash against Blackburn Rovers, after the defender missed the recent Carabao Cup fixture against Oxford United due to fitness concerns. Holgate, who joined the Baggies on loan from Everton this summer, has been battling to regain full match fitness, and manager Carlos Corberán has confirmed that rushing him back would be too great a risk.
Holgate was notably absent from West Brom’s 2-0 defeat to Oxford United in the Carabao Cup, and his absence was felt as Albion struggled defensively against the League One side. The 27-year-old, who arrived at the Hawthorns with a reputation for being a versatile and athletic defender, has yet to establish himself in Corberán’s first team due to ongoing fitness issues since his arrival.
Corberán explained that Holgate’s exclusion from the Oxford tie was a precautionary measure, citing concerns over his physical readiness. Despite the temptation to involve him against Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, the West Brom boss has made it clear that risking Holgate’s long-term fitness at this stage of the season would be unwise.
Speaking ahead of the Blackburn fixture, Corberán addressed Holgate’s situation, stating, “We want Mason back as soon as possible, but it would be a risk to involve him too early. He’s a key player for us, and we need him at 100%. Pushing him too soon could cause further problems, and we can’t afford that.”
Corberán’s cautious approach indicates that West Brom are prioritizing Holgate’s long-term contribution over short-term gains. While the club had high hopes for the Everton loanee’s ability to shore up their defense, it’s clear that ensuring he returns fully fit is crucial to their plans for the season.
Holgate’s arrival at West Brom was seen as a coup during the summer transfer window, given his Premier League experience and versatility to play across the backline. However, since his move, the defender has been hampered by fitness concerns, limiting his involvement in the early part of the season. The 27-year-old has made a handful of appearances but is yet to find the consistency that both he and the club had hoped for.
Holgate’s fitness struggles have become a talking point among fans and pundits, with many hoping that the defender’s return will help solidify West Brom’s defensive unit, which has shown signs of vulnerability in his absence.
With Holgate out of contention for the Blackburn Rovers tie, Corberán will need to rely on his current defensive options, which have been inconsistent at times this season. The Baggies have endured a mixed start to their Championship campaign, and their defensive frailties have been a recurring issue.
Holgate was brought in to address these concerns, and his absence leaves West Brom exposed at the back, especially against a Blackburn side that has shown attacking flair in the early stages of the season. Fans will be hoping that Corberán can find a temporary solution while Holgate works on regaining his fitness.
For West Brom, getting Holgate back to full fitness is a priority as the season progresses. While his absence from the Blackburn Rovers clash is disappointing, it’s a calculated decision to ensure he can contribute over the long haul. The Baggies will need to tread carefully in managing his recovery, particularly given the demands of the Championship’s relentless fixture schedule.
If Holgate can overcome his fitness struggles and return to the form that made him a key player at Everton, his presence could be pivotal in West Brom’s push for a top-six finish. For now, though, fans will have to wait a little longer to see the best of their summer signing.
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