Albion midfield enforcer Youssouf Mulumbu looks set to miss the clash with Watford tomorrow – ending his ever-present Championship record.

The DR Congo international injured a knee ligament in training and is a major doubt, although head coach Roberto Di Matteo has not ruled him out officially.

Mulumbu has started every League match so far this season and emerged as a key midfield figure for the Baggies.

Di Matteo said: “Youssouf picked up a slight injury in training on Tuesday and might struggle for tomorrow. He has tweaked a knee ligament so we’ll have to see how he is. It’s one of those injuries you have to assess on a daily basis and see how much it improves.

“It would be a blow if he misses out. It just seems at the moment that we get one player back and then lose another one.”

Mulumbu’s probable absence seems likely to hand Gonzalo Jara another game in a holding midfield role, in turn giving Abdoulaye Meite another chance in central defence.

Di Matteo looks set to welcome back Chris Brunt and Roman Bednar with both back in training after injury.

Tomorrow’s match will bring the Italian face-to-face with Watford boss Malky Mackay, who he befriended when the duo were preparing for a career in coaching.

The Baggies boss said: “We did our B licence together a few years ago, when we had more hair! I know him pretty well. I last spoke to him at the beginning of the season, when I wished him good luck – but not for this game.

“Our home games are important. To have a successful season, you need a good home record and anything you pick up away is on top of that.

“In the last two games, we seem to have improved on the defensive side. We have looked more solid.”