Reyes Cleary spotted back in West Brom first-team training after long injury lay-off

After missing months of action due to a nasty hamstring injury, West Brom striker Reyes Cleary has been sighted returning to training with Carlos Corberan’s first team.

The 19-year-old attacker had an incredible 2022–2023 season, making five appearances in three different tournaments for the senior club in addition to scoring 19 goals for Richard Beale’s PL2 team.

But after scoring a hat-trick against Derby in a 5-1 PL2 victory in April—his final game wearing a West Brom shirt—the Baggies wonder sustained a significant hamstring injury before the close of the previous year [Transfermarkt].

The youthful attacker was also seen exercising with defender Cédric Kipré as the Baggies prepared for their next Championship match on Saturday, October 21, against Plymouth Argyle.

Outstanding boost

Given the injuries to Josh Maja, Jeremy Sarmiento, Daryl Dike, and John Swift, which have slightly impeded their early promotion drive, it is no secret that the Baggies are now lacking in offensive weapons.

It’s been much needed good news for Corberan ahead of their match against Plymouth, and everyone is happy to have Cleary back in training.

Even though the young player might not play on Saturday, his comeback is nevertheless much anticipated because Brandon Thomas-Asante Corberan is now the only specialized striker available.

 

Even though Cleary is still a few weeks away from competition and could need to improve his level of fitness in order to rejoin the reserve squad, Corberan’s thoughts on his prospects and future at the club are already evident in these most recent pictures.

Players that have followed in Cleary’s footsteps have gone on to become Premier League world beaters, and the Championship continues to be the best venue in Europe for developing fresh talent to polish their art.

In any case, the Spaniard need to be going via internal promotion within the academy to guarantee a long-term and healthy career at The Hawthorns.

Cleary has already shown his mettle at the reserve level, with 52 goals in 61 games. Once he returns to full fitness, this should undoubtedly lead to regular first team opportunities for him.