'A player who could compete' - West Brom interim regretful of defender absence

Phillips, who turns 29 later this month, is forecast to spend 'a few weeks' out of action, though no specific forecast has been given. Such a timeline could see him push to return around the international break at the end of March.

Albion caretaker boss Morrison, who was left seething after Saturday's no-show at the second-bottom U's, believes Phillips' absence will be felt.

"He's another one missing," Morrison said.

"He's a player who could compete and will put his head in where it hurts and stuff like that. He's got a thigh injury."

Phillips, who arrived from Liverpool last summer, has made 32 league appearances, all as a starter, from 35 games in his debut season at The Hawthorns.

He and colleagues have struggled throughout the campaign but Phillips has been a regular in the side under two permanent bosses.

Only Isaac Price has started as many league games, though attacker Price has also came off the bench in the other three clashes.

The stopper recently missed the FA Cup tie at Norwich and the home league defeat to Coventry with a heavy concussion felt in the goalless draw at Birmingham City last month.

Albion have endured defensive inconsistency for several months with poor form and spells out of the side with injury.

Wales international Chris Mepham, who like Phillips has struggled in a tough debut campaign, has missed five games since a home goalless draw against Stoke on February 7.

Mepham defended well that day but trudged off with a late hamstring issue. He is poised to return to boost the Baggies' ranks and could train late this week.