Craig Mackail-Smith has been booked in for surgery – and told he can be back for pre-season.

Albion’s top scorer left Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Bristol City with a ruptured Achilles.

He was assessed today and will have an operation on Monday.

Albion boss Gus Poyet and his off-field team discussed their options this morning.

They are studying the loan market in the hunt for a replacement.

Poyet said tonight he is expecting Mackail-Smith back “for pre-season, for sure,”

He added: “It’s a big blow to lose him.”