CHRIS HUGHTON is “very hopeful” that Dale Stephens will be fit to face Leicester.

But he thought Albion proved they could cope without the key midfielder as they gave Manchester United an FA Cup test.

Stephens missed his second successive match due to a hamstring issue but now has two clear weeks to prepare for their next Premier League fixtures.

Gaetan Bong (thigh) also sat out the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Albion boss Hughton told The Argus: “Dale was closest and I think in the end it would have been too much of a risk to play him.

“It’s a minimal injury but the last thing we wanted was for him to play and potentially put himself out for a longer period.

“Gaetan was never going to make it in hindsight.

“We are very hopeful they will both be available for the next game against Leicester.

“Dale has just felt his hamstring slightly.

“It is not a hamstring pull but it is one we need to be really careful with.”

Davy Propper played in the middle of a midfield three and Beram Kayal was busy.

Hughton said: “I thought Davy played really well in that role and I thought Beram was excellent as well.

“I didn’t think Beram had one of his better games at Everton.

“That is part of the game. When you don’t do well you are very conscious that you want to do well in the next one and I thought he was really good.”