ALBION will tread carefully with Dale Stephens in the build-up to Saturday’s showdown against arch-rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The influential midfielder returned from three matches out with hamstring trouble in the stalemate against Huddersfield.

Stephens is needed more than ever, with Davy Propper facing a three-match ban as a result of his red card against the Yorkshiremen.

Boss Chris Hughton told The Argus: “He got a little bit tired towards the end. It’s normal. We made a very late decision to play him.

“He only trained on Thursday but with Davy potentially missing games it’s even more important to have him back. We need to make sure we have a good week with Dale, protect him as much as we can for a big game on Saturday.”

Beram Kayal, Stephens’ regular partner in the Championship, is poised to deputise for Propper against Palace.

Anthony Knockaert is back in contention after completing a three-match suspension.

Palace, four points behind Albion, were without a recognised centre-forward for the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth as Christian Benteke was sidelined by a groin injury.