Stoke dealt similar West Brom blow ahead of tussle at The Hawthorns

Both sides will be without their top goalscorers following the news that the Baggies' 12-goal frontman Josh Maja will spend up to a couple of months sidelined through injury.

The Potters have also seen their firepower significantly reduced this week as loanee Tom Cannon has been recalled by parent club Leicester.

Cannon fired 11 goals in what has been an underwhelming campaign for Stoke, but one in which the highly-rated Foxes front-runner found his scoring boots from November onwards.

Seven of Cannon's goals for Stoke arrived after October 29 as the 22-year-old found red-hot form in front of goal in an otherwise stuttering side.

Reports claim Premier League strugglers Leicester are looking to cash in on Cannon following his good form with a couple of Championship clubs looking to acquire the former Everton youth graduate's services.

Promotion contenders Sheffield United were initially linked with a £7million capture before latest reports suggest a £13m approach from fourth-placed Sunderland, though it is thought the Blades are determined to get their man.

Stoke have been linked with highly-rated Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns as a potential loan replacement this window. The Baggies are also in the market for a striker this month - even prior to the hammerblow news of Maja's injury.

The Bet365 Stadium club also recalled Nathan Lowe from his prolific loan at runaway League Two leaders Walsall.

City have already made two managerial appointments this term with both Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach axed already this season - their sackings within 100 days of one another.

Schumacher was dismissed by mid-September and his eventual replacement, Spanish ex-Norwich coach Pelach, failed to settle and was in charge for just three months and 19 games.

The Potters appointed Mark Robins, who was mooted amid rumours for the Albion job after Carlos Corberan's exit but never a target, on New Year's Day.

Stoke are four unbeaten as Robins opened up with a draw against Plymouth before an FA Cup third round victory in extra time at Sunderland.