Albion have been hit by a sickness bug that is threatening to damage their plans for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Huddersfield.

Vice-captain Jonas Olsson, left-back Marek Cech and midfield playmaker Graham Dorrans have all been sent home nursing the effects of illness.

And head coach Roberto Di Matteo admitted the trio are serious doubts for Saturday’s third round trip to the Galpharm Stadium with the club now working hard to avoid a further spread.

“We haven’t picked up any fresh injuries, just illness,” said Di Matteo.

“When you get to December, January and February, I remember as a player, you can feel a bit run down and it’s easy to pick up a virus.

“We’ve got three players currently that are sick.

“Jonas played on Monday and wasn’t feeling great.

“He wanted to play, I didn’t have to force him, and it was his call to play.

“He is still not well and the other two are Dorrans and Cech.

“All three are doubtful for Saturday at the moment.

“We’ve kept them away from the rest of the squad.

“Dorrans only came off on Monday because it was the second game in 48 hours and he got a kick on his calf and was limping.”

Di Matteo must cope without centre-back Abdoulaye Meite for the meeting with the Terriers and he has remained cagey about any possible squad rotation.

With Meite away on international duty and Olsson a doubt, Di Matteo will consider Gonzalo Jara – currently starring in midfield – and Shelton Martis for central defensive places.

The Italian must also decide between Dean Kiely and Scott Carson in goal with Carson free to return from suspension.

Di Matteo added: “Dean has done really well for us.”