ALBION boss Chris Hughton says there will be no panic trying to replace long-term injury victim Gaetan Bong.
The left-back has been ruled out for 12 weeks following surgery on a ruptured left thigh tendon just above the knee, sustained near the end of Saturday’s 0-0 home draw with Preston.
Hughton said: “We have some good experience in the squad, Liam Rosenior and (Inigo) Calderon that are both very capable of playing in that position.
“You have to accept it and work around it. What you mustn’t do is panic, because we won’t be the only club that will lose players for a period of time.
“It’s business as normal and we’ll think about the options that we have in that position and that will be ongoing, because we know what period of time he (Bong) will be out for and we’ve got to find the best solution for it.
“It’s very much a specialist position. We’ll probably use this time leading up to the international break to see what options we’ve got but it’s a position and time when it’s not so easy to bring a loan player in. At the moment we’re very comfortable with what we’ve got.”
Bong’s lay-off until January will sideline him from at least 12 Championship fixtures.
Hughton said: “I’m incredibly disappointed for him. He’s had a very good season for us. He’s been an ever-present for us, a strong character and personality who has added very much to what we’ve done so far. Of course, it’s a big blow for us as well.”
The loan window closes on November 25 and Albion’s hands will be tied after that until January 1.
The loss of Bong is likely to be exacerbated at Reading by the continuing absences of Gordon Greer (knee), Dale Stephens (thigh) and Kazenga LuaLua (groin) as Hughton’s leaders attempt to stretch their unbeaten start to 14 games.
Reading have suffered a blow of their own. Midfield prospect Aaron Tshibola is a long-term casualty with an ankle injury.
Original article
The left-back has been ruled out for 12 weeks following surgery on a ruptured left thigh tendon just above the knee, sustained near the end of Saturday’s 0-0 home draw with Preston.
- Hughton says Albion will not panic in bid to replace injury-hit Bong
- Hawks hope for extra backing from Albion fans after Sunday switch
- Jones ready for his own judgement day
- LuaLua's Albion comeback on hold as captain and key midfielder are assessed
- Bong blow for Albion as defender is sidelined for 12 weeks
Hughton said: “We have some good experience in the squad, Liam Rosenior and (Inigo) Calderon that are both very capable of playing in that position.
“You have to accept it and work around it. What you mustn’t do is panic, because we won’t be the only club that will lose players for a period of time.
“It’s business as normal and we’ll think about the options that we have in that position and that will be ongoing, because we know what period of time he (Bong) will be out for and we’ve got to find the best solution for it.
“It’s very much a specialist position. We’ll probably use this time leading up to the international break to see what options we’ve got but it’s a position and time when it’s not so easy to bring a loan player in. At the moment we’re very comfortable with what we’ve got.”
Bong’s lay-off until January will sideline him from at least 12 Championship fixtures.
Hughton said: “I’m incredibly disappointed for him. He’s had a very good season for us. He’s been an ever-present for us, a strong character and personality who has added very much to what we’ve done so far. Of course, it’s a big blow for us as well.”
The loan window closes on November 25 and Albion’s hands will be tied after that until January 1.
The loss of Bong is likely to be exacerbated at Reading by the continuing absences of Gordon Greer (knee), Dale Stephens (thigh) and Kazenga LuaLua (groin) as Hughton’s leaders attempt to stretch their unbeaten start to 14 games.
Reading have suffered a blow of their own. Midfield prospect Aaron Tshibola is a long-term casualty with an ankle injury.
Original article