Doctor addresses retirement claims on West Brom attacker Matt Phillips due to injury

West Brom forward Matt Phillips is not bidding farewell to his playing career, and retirement is not imminent, as affirmed by Dr. Rajpal Brar. The injury specialist emphasizes that Phillips’ recent surgery aims to facilitate his return to the first-team lineup while minimizing the risk of re-injury.

Chris Lepkowski, a journalist with Birmingham Live, expressed uncertainty about Phillips’ return to Hawthorns, considering his remaining four months on the contract. Lepkowski hoped that the recent match wasn’t the final appearance for the 32-year-old, but there’s uncertainty.

Dr. Brar, a Physical Therapy and Sports Science expert, addressed Phillips’ situation in an exclusive interview with West Brom News. He acknowledged that the timeline suggested this could potentially be Phillips’ last match for the club, but deeming it a career-ending decision is premature. Dr. Brar emphasized that the surgery aims to facilitate Phillips’ return to football, making early retirement unlikely.

4 months out, contract up in 2024… hopefully not the last we have seen of Matt Phillips. However… #wba

— Chris Lepkowski (@chrislepkowski) December 6, 2023

The decision about Phillips’ contract rests with the club, and while it may be his last match for West Brom based on the timeline, the chances of an early retirement appear slim. This news comes as a relief to all parties involved, as no one wishes for a player’s final appearance to be overshadowed by a serious injury.

Before his injury, Phillips was a regular in Carlos Corberan’s lineup, indicating the manager’s high regard for his playing abilities. The future for Phillips at West Brom remains uncertain, with the possibility of a new short-term deal or parting ways when his contract expires in June 2024.