James Milner is out of Albion’s midweek cup tie – and looks set to miss a reunion with Leeds United.
The midfielder has been ruled out of the fourth-round Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal due to what Fabian Hurzeler has described as “a small muscle issue”.
Hurzeler added: “He won’t be available tomorrow.”
The head coach expects the absence to extend beyond tomorrow’s game – but not too long.
Albion host Milner’s first club Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday.
Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman and Brajan Gruda also remain out of action.
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Hurzeler said: “They are getting closer but I don’t think they have a chance to be in the squad tomorrow.”
Albion are expected to bring back Jason Steele in goal with Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli seemingly strong contenders to start in defence.
There could also be a start for Tommy Watson, a Wembley winner in May with Sunderland in the Championship play-offs.
Hurzeler said: “We really trust the young players, they are here for a reason. It is not about age, it is about quality and that is what we always try to focus on.
“But, for sure, you always need a good balance in the team.”
