Chris Brunt offers explanation for Josh Maja and Kyle Bartley West Brom absence
Chris Brunt revealed Albion's priority was to rest weary duo Josh Maja and Kyle Bartley for a Championship play-off tilt.
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Top scorer Maja and influential defender Bartley were notable omissions for the Baggies in Saturday's heavy 5-1 FA Cup exit at Bournemouth.
Brunt said afterwards that there were a couple of knocks and niggles in Albion's squad and had already clarified the likelihood of changes for the clash against the in-form Premier League hosts.
The absence of both was felt as the visitors fell to a heavy defeat at the Vitality Stadium despite an early lead through Caleb Taylor.
Albion's management of experienced 33-year-old Bartley has been nothing new particularly given the stopper underwent minor knee surgery earlier this season. He played the first four of five games in 14 days over Christmas and New Year, sitting out the final fixture in Swansea.
