West Brom concern for defender Krystian Bielik after ankle setback in defeat
Albion are concerned about the injury to defender Krystian Bielik with further tests to come.
The experience centre-back hobbled off just before half-time of the 1-0 defeat at Hull, who netted the winner through Oli McBurnie's penalty shortly afterwards in first half stoppage time.
Bielik, who had started the last four games for Albion, was caught by a late challenge from home midfielder Matt Crooks.
The hosts netted the game's only goal a couple of minutes later after fellow centre-back starter Nat Phillips conceded a costly penalty via a needless handball while defended a Hull corner. The one-goal defeat made it eight in a row away from home for Ryan Mason's side.
"He doesn't look good," Mason told the Express & Star.
"I think when your big centre-half, strong, robust, manly centre-half comes off, not being able to walk. It's never a good sign."
Having lost Bielik to the ankle blow the visitors finished the game with 10 men with a red card to right-back Alfie Gilchrist 15 minutes from time.
The substitute's dismissal was not the reason Albion fell to another defeat but replays showed the decision from referee Ruebyn Ricardo was incorrect.
It remains to be seen whether the club will appeal Gilchrist's subsequent suspension or whether he will serve a ban over Christmas. The nature of Bielik's injury - which he tried in vain to shake off - makes him highly unlikely to feature in the home Boxing Day clash with Bristol City on Friday.
Albion were further hit in midfield as Jayson Molumby was ruled only fit enough to start on the bench having not trained all week with a groin issue picked up against Sheffield United. Alex Mowatt (foot) and Toby Collyer (calf) are already sidelined.
It forced left-back Callum Styles into midfield - a role he plays for his country - and the diminutive Hungarian impressed. Molumby was used as a late substitute as Albion attempted to find an equaliser but failed to create enough in a quiet second period.
"Jase didn't train at all," the head coach said. "To be fair he's got an injury. I think he understands the moment we're in and we're extremely light.
"We had to play a left-back as a central midfielder today and I thought Callum did an extremely good job. Jase puts his body on the line. He continually does. Yes, we're light in certain areas, but that happens. That's football. You just have to stand up and take responsibility."
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