Steven Alzate’s groin surgery is on hold - after a coronavirus scare.

The Albion midfielder reported symptoms when he was due to go in for treatment on an injury which has reduced his game time in recent weeks.

His operation is now on hold indefinitely as hard-pressed medical staff deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and the more urgent of the other demands on their resources.

Albion had hoped to have their Colombia international fit and ready in time for any return to action.

He could now face a race against time to be fully operational.

But the club, who are prominent supporters of the NHS, are happy to accept such operations come way down the list of priorities right now.

Head coach Graham Potter said: “He was due for some surgery but had some symptoms and a high temperature.

“It’s no problem now but now they have stopped doing the surgery, of course, with the situation we are in, so he will have to wait for that.

“It is a part of his groin area that has been causing him some problems over the course of the season.

“We just wanted to get it fixed up.

“We have been managing him throughout, but it seemed then was a good time.

“We will keep assessing it.”

Alzate last started a match when Albion lost at Bournemouth on January 21.

He came off the bench at home to Watford and Crystal Palace.