Solly March is facing up to four weeks out during the busiest period of the season.

The Albion wideman has had surgery on a niggling groin problem which flared during the recent 2-0 home defeat by Leicester City.

He is likely to miss a hectic December programme which features six Premier League fixtures, starting at Arsenal tomorrow (8.15pm).

March was recalled for his first start since early September when Leicester visited 11 days ago but was taken off for the closing stages.

Albion head coach Graham Potter said: “He has had some surgery at the start of this week so he will be three to four weeks.

“He just needed a bit of work in the groin area.

“We are disappointed for him and for us, of course.

“He had pain and, with the way he plays, he’s a sprinter and with that type of guy it is better to have it cleared up. Surgery was the best option for him.

“I think it happened over a period of weeks and it came to a head after the Leicester game, where he just aggravated it a bit more.”

The lay-off continues a frustrating season so far for March, who seemed set to make the left wing-back slot his own early in the campaign.

His goal now will be to return for a big second half of the campaign.

Potter recently admitted there was more to come from the Hailsham boy, adding: “We have spoken about it together.

“He has had a problem with his injury which has probably put him back a bit but there is no reason for him not to perform at a really good level.

“If he does that, he can be a really important player for us but he has to take that next step.”

March and long-term absentee Jose Izquierdo are the only Albion players ruled out of the trip to the Emirates.

Meanwhile Beram Kayal is back at Albion as he await surgery on a groin injury.

The Israel midfielder on loan at Charlton is facing several weeks on the sidelines.