Albion midfielder Dale Stephens is still some way off a first team return.

The timescale for Stephens’ recovery from ankle ligament damage sustained against Yeovil in April remains unclear. He is back in training but his involvement is restricted.

Boss Sami Hyypia said: “If we play a game in training we take him out of that, because he is not ready for the contact, but he is working with the team when we do a passing drill or possession game.

“That is a big step for him mentally, to be involved. We’ll see how he reacts with the training.

“When he is ready to play a part in a game then probably it will be a DS (development squad) game first and then with us.

“It’s still a little bit unknown when he will be ready. I don’t think he knows himself.”

Stephens was bought from Charlton in January following Andrew Crofts’ first injury setback.

Crofts is sidelined again with a serious knee injury sustained against Watford.