Gareth McAuley and James Morrison will miss West Brom game with Bournemouth

McAuley is expected to sit out the first two games of the season after damaging his thigh on international duty for Northern Ireland, which means loan signing Ahmed Hegazi is likely to start alongside captain Jonny Evans at the heart of defence.

However, Morrison, who damaged his knee ligaments while playing against England for Scotland in June, is expected to return before the big centre-half. "Gareth McAuley won't be fit for a couple of weeks, he's still struggling with his thigh so that's a problem for us," admitted Pulis. "James Morrison will not be available tomorrow but we're hoping the following week he'll be ok.

"James has a little tweak on his knee, we've got to be careful with him. We've got a few injuries."

Chris Brunt, who has a niggling calf injury, and Nacer Chadli, who has a slight hip strain, are the other two doubts ahead of tomorrow's game with the Cherries.