Robson on lookout for defender
Albion boss Bryan Robson is set step up his search for defensive reinforcements as Steve Watson faces a race against time to be fit for tomorrow's trip to Preston.
Watson missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Leicester with a thigh strain picked up in training on Friday and remains a doubt for the trip to Deepdale.
It leaves Robson with his weekend back-four - Martin Albrechtsen, Paul McShane, Chris Perry and Paul Robinson - as his only fit defenders.Captain Curtis Davies will remain sidelined until towards the end of October with the broken foot he sustained at Sunderland, while Thomas Gaardsoe remains a long-term casualty following his summer groin operation.
Neil Clement is set to return to full training this week after going under the knife on a knee problem in the summer, but is not yet ready for a return to arms having not yet appeared for the reserves.
Their absence meant Robson had to gamble without any defensive cover on the bench for the visit of the Foxes, a situation he is unlikely to want repeated.
Robson admitted last week that he was looking to sign a defender once the emergency loan window for Football League clubs opened on Friday.
That was before Watson picked up his injury, making the search all the more urgent given that Albion's games come thick and fast throughout September.
After tomorrow, Albion face Southend at home at Saturday, entertain Cheltenham in the Carling Cup next Tuesday, before visiting Luton and welcoming Leeds to The Hawthorns.
But Albion are not alone in having problems ahead of tomorrow night's clash, as Preston will go into the game without star striker David Nugent through suspension.
The England under-21 international was sent-off for a second bookable offence in Preston's 2-1 win over league leaders Cardiff on Saturday and will serve a one-match ban.
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