Albion's Spanish star Vicente is making progress in his recovery from injury.

But he is unlikely to be in the starting line-up at Southampton on Saturday.

The former Valencia winger has missed the last five matches with a thigh problem since making his full home debut in the 0-0 draw against Hull City last month.

Manager Gus Poyet said: “Vicente is much better. Will he be fit to start? Probably not.”

Marcos Paynter has recovered from the knee knock which ruled him out of the 2-0 victory against Barnsley at The Amex nine days ago but Albion are erring on the side of caution with injury-plagued Will Hoskins now they have Billy Paynter on loan from Leeds competing for a place up front.

Hoskins has been restricted by hip and thigh trouble to one start following his summer move from Bristol Rovers.

Meanwhile, Adam El-Abd is back in training and could have a run-out in the reserves at Crawley next week.

The versatile defender has been sidelined since April by a stress fracture of the foot.

Don't miss a two-page special to mark Gus Poyet's second anniversary in charge at Albion in The Argus today