West Brom team news at Oxford as James Morrison dealt defensive blow and forward call made
Albion were dealt a defensive blow at Oxford United with defender Nat Phillips ruled out through injury.
Centre-back Phillips injured his thigh during Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against Charlton, before which Eric Ramsay was sacked, and will not feature against second-bottom Oxford.
Phillips has been sidelined for a few weeks with the muscle issue after he underwent tests earlier in the week.
Caretaker boss James Morrison was forced to reshuffle his defensive line as a result and Krystian Bielik returned to the starting line-up to partner Charlie Taylor.
Morrison's other change was the inclusion of skipper Jed Wallace on the wing as he returned for midfielder Ousmane Diakite.
As a result of that switch Jayson Molumby dropped back into a central midfield role from the attacking midfield position he played against Charlton.
The caretaker boss also opted to keep Josh Maja in the starting line-up for the second league game in succession.
Aune Heggebo remained a substitute.
Phillips joins fellow defender Chris Mepham on the sidelines, though Morrison revealed on Friday that Welshman Mepham is nearing a return.
Current back-up goalkeeper Josh Griffiths is still out for a foot injury.
Albion line-up at Oxford (4-2-3-1): O'Leary; Campbell, Bielik, Taylor, Styles; Molumby, Mowatt; Wallace (c), Price, Johnston; Maja.
Subs: Wallis (gk), Imray, Gilchrist, Diakite, Whitwell, Jimoh-Aloba, Bostock, Heggebo, Dike
