Chris Hughton admits he is “not optimistic” about the four players Albion lost at Hillsborough tonight.

Connor Goldson, Tomer Hemed, Steve Sidwell and Anthony Knockaert all left the 2-0 play-off defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the first hour.

They face a race against time to play in the second leg on Monday and Albion’s boss does not fancy their chances.

Speaking shortly after the first leg of the semi-final, he said: “They were all substantial enough injuries for them to go off. Not one of them wanted to go off.

“At the moment I wouldn’t be too optimistic about all four of them.

“I’ve never been involved in a game like that. Can I put it down to anything? No.

“We’ve gone through a decent period of no injuries and whether it’s just the consistent games and tempo we’re having to play at, I don’t know.

“They are certainly not injuries that they’ve had before.”

Albion are adamant they are still in the tie.

Hughton said: “It’s a scoreline that’s achievable. The worry was that it would be three or four which would make it very difficult. But it is achievable.”

Lewis Dunk is available for the second leg after suspension.