Dwight Gayle is out of Newcastle's showdown with Albion at the Amex tomorrow night.
The former Crystal Palace hotshot has not recovered in time from a recurrence of hamstring trouble.
Manager Rafa Benitez confirmed: "He is still improving but not ready for this game."
Newcastle, a point behind Albion in second, also visit third-placed Huddersfield on Saturday and fifth-placed Reading three days later in a tough burst of away games.
Benitez is more concerned about a hectic April than Albion being their toughest test so far. He said: "On paper? Maybe. But in April there are seven games to play.
"Chris Hughton is doing a great job and he has a very good team."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel