Chris Brunt offers explanation for Josh Maja and Kyle Bartley West Brom absence

Top scorer Maja and influential defender Bartley were notable omissions for the Baggies in Saturday's heavy 5-1 FA Cup exit at Bournemouth.

Brunt said afterwards that there were a couple of knocks and niggles in Albion's squad and had already clarified the likelihood of changes for the clash against the in-form Premier League hosts.

The absence of both was felt as the visitors fell to a heavy defeat at the Vitality Stadium despite an early lead through Caleb Taylor.

Albion's management of experienced 33-year-old Bartley has been nothing new particularly given the stopper underwent minor knee surgery earlier this season. He played the first four of five games in 14 days over Christmas and New Year, sitting out the final fixture in Swansea.

Twelve-goal striker Maja has also been flogged heavily this season with little strength-in-depth in that department.

Asked about the duo, interim head coach Brunt said:  "They are two that have been managing themselves over the Christmas period, with a couple of knocks, that is what it is.

"They are important players for us, we want to keep them as ready and available as we can for the rest of the season.

"Hopefully the two of them will not be too bad, look after themselves for the next two days and we'll see what comes."

Albion's caretaker team made seven changes to the side that drew at Swansea last time out as only Mason Holgate, Darnell Furlong, Callum Styles and Karlan Grant stayed in. Attacking stars Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo were among the goals.

That was more than Bournemouth's six changes - though the Cherries flexed their squad's muscles and were not afraid to bring recognised Premier League stars on from the bench.

"We were always going to have to make some changes, there were a few knocks and niggles and people we need to look after because our goal is to push on and consolidate a play-off spot or push higher if we can," added Brunt.

"Without devaluing the cup competition, that's our priority. There's a lot of lads who probably haven't played as much football as they want and it was a chance to give them an opportunity and try to stay competitive.

"It was almost going to be difficult. Bournemouth are doing really well, but that was the reason behind the selection."