West Brom mindful of midfielder's ongoing fitness issue ahead of FA Cup tie

Albion, with former star and first-team coach James Morrison in interim charge, could be light in midfield given ongoing concern over the fitness of Mowatt.

The 30-year-old played in Mason's finale at Leicester on Monday night but limped off with discomfort in his foot with 10 minutes remaining after a couple of whacks from the hosts.

Mowatt, Albion's vice-captain, initially picked up the injury in the first half of the defeat at Southampton on December 9 and missed two games but hurried to make a return as a second-half substitute in the home defeat to Bristol City on Boxing Day.

Former boss Mason spoke about the experienced midfielder fighting through the pain barrier but a couple of knocks saw him limp off with visible discomfort at the King Power Stadium.

Mason said in his final press conference Mowatt has been "struggling for a few weeks". Caretaker Morrison is expected to give an update on the midfielder in Friday afternoon's press conference.

Albion are believed to be hopeful of beefing the midfield options available to Mason's successor this month with loan additions in the transfer window.

Midfield has been a problem area of late as the injured Toby Collyer returned to parent club Manchester United. Jayson Molumby and Mowatt have spent time on the treatment table of late.

The Baggies do have more options available for the weekend's Cup tie, at least, as they moved to recall prospect Harry Whitwell from his star loan spell at National League high-flyers.

Academy graduate Whitwell, 20, had been Forest Green's star performer this term and two-time player of the month winner. He is eligible to feature for Albion this weekend despite playing in the competition for his loan club in October.

Whitwell appeared in the first round defeat to Luton but is able to play for one other club in the competition 'proper', according to new rules.