Slaven Bilic: Loans good for Leko and Field
SLAVEN BILIC believes Jonathan Leko and Sam Field have both benefitted from their loans at Charlton – despite the duo having each picked up injuries.
Leko was ruled out of the rest of the season back in December after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Field also returned to Albion this week with his own knee problem – one that is also likely to rule him out for the rest of the campaign but is much less serious.
Bilic, though, believes the duo have benefited from getting some Championship experience under their belt, even if their loans moves ended prematurely.
“Sam unfortunately still feels a bit in his knee, he came back to sort it out – it’s nothing major, he can do everything, but when he strikes the ball then he feels it a bit,” the head coach said.
“Is the ligament weak or whatever, but it’s not right. He’s back with us and the medical team, and he’s going to do the recovery here.
“Jonathan and Sam went there for a reason, they didn’t drop a level. They stayed in the Championship, it was good for them, good for us, good for Charlton, to have those competitive games.
“Both of them did well, but then both got injured. What can you do? At least it’s not bad timing because both of them will be ready for the start of the next season, for pre-season.
“They made an impact on this season. They showed they can do the job. They put a bit of a mark on their name, which for a young player is important.”
