Albion will not have to deal with the biggest threat to their title hopes at Aston Villa on Sunday.

Mid-table Villa have revealed leading marksman Jonathan Kodjia suffered a broken ankle in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers.

The West Midlands giants, breaking news of the blow on their website, said: "Kodjia will now visit a specialist in Europe this week for further tests.

"The injury will likely require surgery which could then rule the striker out of pre-season and the start of next season."

Kodjia, 27, bought from Bristol City for £11 million in August, has scored 19 goals in 40 Championship outings for Villa this season.

The French-born Ivory Coast international also netted 19 times in the second tier for Bristol City last season.

Albion will win the title if they at least equal Newcastle's result at home to Barnsley on Sunday.