Martin Kelly’s recovery from a long-term knee injury will be accelerated, according to Carlos Corberan, who confirmed the West Brom defender will begin working with a technical coach.
The manager was eager to dispel any speculation about a possible return in the near future, and he was quick to downplay the extent of his recuperation, claiming the club is still assisting him on his lengthy path to recovery.
Corberan also hinted that a decision will be taken on the defender’s future at the club, with a loan option if he is not ready to play for the Baggies when he returns to fitness.
On September 29, West Brom manager Tony Pulis told the Express and Star, “Sometimes a player needs minutes to recover his level, especially at his age.” Unfortunately, he was wounded in his debut for Wigan.
“For example, Friday is the first day he will work with one of our technical members of staff, so we are assisting him in the recovery process.”
“After that, he’ll be one more player.” Knowing he won’t be able to play football for eight months makes it more difficult for him to prepare.
“We need to analyze when the right time is and what the best decision is for him to be loaned or kept.” That is something I cannot reveal because it is September. If you ask me now whether he is ready, I will tell you that he is not.
“If you’re wondering if he’s finished any training with the group, the answer is no – he hasn’t yet.” Friday [September 29] is the first day he will participate in a technical drill with one of the instructors.”
Patience will be required
As the boss said, the recovery will still take some time before he is able to return to training, and it will be even longer before he reaches the level he was playing at prior to the serious injury he suffered during a loan spell at Wigan.
Kelly was meant to be able to play regular first-team football on loan, which he was unable to do at The Hawthorns, where he made only seven senior appearances before being allowed to transfer on loan and play more games.
This could imply that when he finally returns from the operating table, he will be sent back on loan. Playing time is essential for staying fit, especially as a 33-year-old, and if it cannot be guaranteed at West Brom, it may be found elsewhere.
A loan move would also allow him to return to the Hawthorns once he has regained his fitness, match sharpness, and confidence in playing at a top level.