Matt Phillips has 'bad' ankle injury but West Brom hopeful of February return

Phillips is set to miss more games than first feared after rolling his ankle, with James Morrison and Chris Brunt more likely to return from injury first.

All three are currently sidelined, and will not take part in Saturday's FA Cup match at Brighton.

Ahmed Hegazi, Jay Rodriguez and Gareth Barry are also doubts for that fixture after pickink up knocks on Monday night.

"Matty and Morrison have ankle injuries," said Moore. "They’re working their way back.

"I think James is probably ahead of Matty in terms of his development. Matty sustained an ankle injury and it’s a bad one. Both are big players for us.

"The medical team are working extremely hard with them and they’re improving every day. I spoke to Mozza yesterday and he seemed confident and upbeat. I’ll probably see Matty today.

"I always like to get it from the individual as much as the medical team because the individual knows his body better than anybody else."

Phillips's injury is worse than initially feared, but Moore is still confident he'll return next month.

"What Matty's done is gone over on his ankle and sustained a nasty blow to his ankle," said Moore.

"Matty's a big man, the injury he's had, we thought it wasn't as bad as it was.

"We'll assess him and speak to the physios. I've spoken to Mozza, he's happy and confident. I'll speak to Matty, but neither player will be involved this weekend.

"We'll have a look at them next week and see what their like.

"I will not rush them back, it's important at this stage of the season we get them back and don't miss them for large parts of the season. I'm hopeful they'll be back in February, definitely."

Brunt limped off in the first half of Monday's win at Bolton, but Moore was pleased he removed himself before doing further damage.

"Chris Brunt has got a little bit of a calf, he won't be involved (against Brighton)," said Moore.

"Somebody younger might have carried on but rather than doing longer damage to it, he's an experienced pro who has taken himself off.

"It's a strain and could have turned into a tear. That's credit to Chris for managing it."

Moore is expected to play a number of fringe players and youngsters at the Amex Stadium and confirmed that three more first-team players were nursing knocks.

"Ahmed, Jay, and Gaz Barry all picked up little knocks," added Moore. "We’ve today and tomorrow to see if we can nurse them back. If they’re okay, they’ll definitely be in the squad."