West Brom blow as defender ruled out for Christmas clashes

The in-form Styles damaged his hamstring during the first half of last week's defeat at Watford, in which he was substituted off at half-time.

The summer signing is projected to be out for around a week and will miss at least Sunday's visit of Bristol City and the Boxing Day trip to Derby County. He could return for the trip to Sheffield United on December 29.

Boss Carlos Corberan suggested Albion have another fitness doubt for the clash at The Hawthorns, but would not give any clue as to the identity.

"We have a couple of players, who I will keep with me, in doubt," Corberan said.

"The previous week was very demanding and the next week from when we start the game against Bristol is going to be a very demanding period. Still there are two players in this process to recover.

"One player that is not going to be available is Styles. He was feeling something in the previous game during the first half. We changed because I wanted to change but at the same time he couldn't keep playing. So the change was a tactical question with a physical damage too.

"He has not been involved with the group. Normally he will need one more week of time to again be available with the team. That is the challenge of the Championship.

"Some moments you are not playing, some you are playing too much and consistency now in this moment of the competition is key. That one (Styles) is for sure (out) and the other player that I told you, we need to see how they are but for sure Styles is not going to be available."

Corberan did provide more upbeat fitness news in his pre-Robins press conference as defender Paddy McNair (hamstring) - whose loan from San Diego ends on December 31 - and attacker Grady Diangana (calf) had both trained this week ahead of potential involvement on Sunday.

The head coach said: "Paddy has been training with the group yesterday and today too, making a good part of training.

"Of course when you are injured long-term the fact you made training doesn't mean you are ready to compete, but him training with the group is a positive thing.

"Grady has been training this week. It has been two physical days and two football days.

"His reaction has been positive. If he keeps like this hopefully - I touch wood - he can be ready and available for Sunday."