Sarmiento had experienced the problem during his first and so far only Albion start, a goalless draw at The Hawthorns against Millwall. However, he passed the exam just fine to be a substitute at Preston, and the injury was later verified.
Despite arriving as Albion’s first summer arrival and having a high regard as one of Brighton’s gifted young attacking assets, Albion is still waiting for the Ecuador international to truly shine during his season-long loan from the Seagulls.
Sarmiento had experienced the problem during his first and so far only Albion start, a goalless draw at The Hawthorns against Millwall. However, he passed the exam just fine to be a substitute at Preston, and the injury was later verified.
Although the head coach has acknowledged the necessity to regulate Sarmiento’s minutes, Carlos Corberan had to keep an eye on the attacker’s fitness following a limited preseason. It is hoped that a return to fitness can spark some continuity in the lineup.
In reference to Sarmiento’s attempt to play against the Tigers, Corberan stated, “He is progressing well and I think he is going to be ready to be part of the squad in this game.”
Sarmiento had some brilliant cameos early in the campaign, which helped him gain popularity among the Baggies supporters. Subsequently, the agile and adaptable striker scored his first goal during his loan stint, the last goal in a thrilling 4-2 victory at home against Middlesbrough at the end of August.
With Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi wanting his player to feature in about 35 games this season, his goal while on loan at Albion was for him to see consistent activity and minutes. However, Sarmiento has experienced protracted injury stints while playing for Brighton’s first team, including muscular issues and a fractured metatarsal last season.
The loanee’s ankle injury comes at a difficult time for Albion as centre-forwards Josh Maja and Daryl Dike, the team’s leading scorer and fellow creator John Swift, were all scheduled to return this month after the international break.
After the international break, Maja is expected to return, and Dike won’t play until the new year.
