Steve Bruce has provided an update on West Brom's injury situation ahead of the Baggies' game against Birmingham City on Wednesday night.

There is a positive update on Kean Bryan, who has been sidelined for nearly a year with a cruciate ligament injury which he suffered just a couple of games into his Baggies' career.

The versatile defender joined on a free transfer in September last year after leaving Sheffield United but would make just three appearances for the club before suffering his injury.

However, it seems as if he is close to a return to action, as Bruce confirmed earlier this week.

He said:

“Kean Bryan is making good progress. He’s probably going to be out on the grass and starting to join in with us in the next week or so. That’s good news and there’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel for him after what’s been a difficult time."

The 24-year-old has struggled for regular game time in his career but was something of a regular in the Premier League for Sheffield United, making 13 appearances in the 2020/21 season, which suggests that he could be a quality addition to Bruce's side once he is back fit.

While the Baggies have a plethora of quality central defensive options in Kyle Bartley, Dara O'Shea and Semi Ajayi, Bryan can also play as a defensive midfielder, and his versatility could be vital in Bruce's side as he looks to rectify a disappointing start to the Championship season.

The young defender earned a lot of praise from Chris Wilder during his time at Sheffield United, with the manager particularly complimentary of his ability to play in numerous positions.

He said: “To be at Manchester City all of those years, you obviously have to be a talented player. Kean is versatile too, he’s played at centre-half in a three, as a wing-back and also in the middle."

While Bryan is unlikely to feature in West Brom's next fixture against Birmingham City, it can only be good news for the club that he is back on the pitch and nearing a return to first-team action.