Leaders Leeds United's key man blow for West Brom clash

Wales international midfielder Ampadu, 24, sat out of Leeds' 3-1 turnaround victory over promotion rivals Sheffield United on Monday night.

Boss Daniel Farke revealed after full-time Ampadu is set to have surgery on a knee injury and will miss upcoming games, including the visit of the Baggies next up.

"It's a different knee," Farke said. "Its a bit too early to assess. Looks like a cartilage injury. He will need surgery in the next few days. Too early to give a timeframe. (He) Will not be available for the next few games.

"It's a big blow for us. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why we started nervous."

Leeds stalwart Ampadu missed October and November of this season sidelined with injury but has otherwise made 24 appearances this term.

Leeds went 16 games unbeaten with the victory, where they rallied in the second half to cancel out the Blades' opener at Bramall Lane.

Farke's men left it late to claim the points with goals from Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe in the closing stages to go seven points clear of third-placed Burnley.

Another Wales international, winger Daniel James, was instrumental in the comeback with two assists but left Leeds fans concerned as he finished the night with an ice pack around his ankle.

But James, 27, allayed fears when asked by broadcasters about the issue. He said: "Just normal, yeah. Every pitch is like sand at the moment! (The ice is) just normal.”

Albion head to Elland Road for Saturday's 12.30pm kick-off looking to build on the 2-0 home victory over Oxford last time out.

The race for the final two play-off positions in the Championship remains nip-and-tuck with Albion just leading the way in fifth, on goal difference from Blackburn, who are poised to appoint former Baggies boss Valerien Ismael to replace John Eustace.

In-form Coventry are just outside the top six a point further back and just seven points separate Albion and QPR in 14th. The latter visit The Hawthorns on Saturday week.