West Bromwich Albion defender Cedric Kipre is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after coming off early during the Baggies’ bout against Queens Park Rangers last night.
Carlos Corberan’s men came away with all three points following Jimmy Dunne’s red card close to the hour mark. Both of West Brom’s goals were scored after the Irish defender was dismissed with Brandon Thomas-Asante and Grady Diangana getting on the scoresheet.
The Baggies were in cruise control at the Hawthorns and were looking to see the game out without any cuts and bruises. However, with four minutes remaining of the 90, Ivorian defender Kipre turned his knee and had to be taken off.
Speaking in his post-match interview, head coach Corberan admitted that it looked like a serious knee injury and the former Wigan Athletic man could be facing weeks or potentially even months out of the team [quotes via club media]:
“Tonight, Cedric Kipre, in one action has turned his knee. It looks like it’s going to be a serious injury.
“We will know more tomorrow, but we know it’s not going to be a question of days. It’s going to be a question of, hopefully weeks, but unfortunately, maybe months.”
The Spanish coach also stated how big a loss Kipre is to the starting lineup [quotes via the Shropshire Star]:
“He’s an important player.
“We are working with him a lot to make sure his concentration is always high, but he has some very good conditions as a player – that’s why he’s playing.
“It’s why we believe in him and that’s why it’s a pity to lose any player, but to lose someone playing in the first eleven is even harder.”
Writer’s View
Kipre has had an excellent season ever since returning from Cardiff City in the summer. The centre-back is now one of the first names on Corberan’s teamsheet.
This news is also a massive blow for Kipre himself as he may not return in time for the African Cup of Nations. While he has yet to make his debut for the Ivory Coast, he will have at least been in the manager’s mind, but any chance of a call-up is now gone.
