Baggies midfielder Johnston out for 'extended period'

West Bromwich Albion are set to be without midfielder Mikey Johnston for an "extended period" because of another ankle injury setback.

The 27-year-old has played only one game this season, a Carabao Cup tie against Rotherham United, having initially been declared fit after fracturing his ankle in a Championship game at Oxford in February.

"It's a complex injury," Albion's director of medical Tony Strudwick told the club's website,, external adding he could not put a "specific timeline" on Johnston's return.

"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.

"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."

Johnston joined Albion from Celtic in August 2024 after spending four months on loan at The Hawthorns and has made 99 appearances for the club in all competitions.

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