West Brom v Birmingham: Suspension opens up loan opportunity and Dike latest

Local rivals Birmingham City come to The Hawthorns off the back of some big-scoring home victories but the ambitious Blues have been more susceptible on their travels. Lowly strugglers Swansea, under newly-appointed Vitor Matos, visit on Saturday.

Molumby, guilty party in Saturday's senseless red card in defeat at Coventry, will watch from the sidelines and his absence could offer an opportunity to one Albion player whose time at The Hawthorns is yet to take off.

Manchester United loan midfielder Toby Collyer has started just twice this term and had a further nine appearances from the bench.

The 21-year-old was billed as a key summer addition but has so far been unable to make an impression in blue and white stripes. His mid-August arrival meant time catching up to colleagues in terms of fitness and match preparation and, shortly after Collyer made his first start in the Millwall misery in early October he injured his hamstring.

Now back to fitness, he is competing with the more defensive-minded Ousmane Diakite to deputise for Molumby against Blues.

Mason said: "I'm not going to give you my team! We've got players who can compete in there, Oussie has done well recently and we're really happy with where he's at.

"I've said all season and am really consistent with it - I really believe in Toby as a player.

"I was right to take my time with him. If you look at the Preston game (Collyer's second start) he picked up something, it wasn't something serious. But had he been thrown in earlier it may have been more serious and been out for longer.

"It's right to understand where he's at in his career, with his body still growing and developing. I don't doubt that he will develop into a top player - and hopefully that's with us.

"It's part of the game. It's not just young players, it's old players, managers, coaches, football is a rollercoaster. What you have to do is stay consistent and disciplined in what you believe in and for players to take care of their bodies.

"Players are in different moments, Jed (Wallace) has played 500 or 600 games and his body needs something different to Toby's. We understand the emotions and journey in football. It's important to stay calm and be ready when you're needed."

Striker Daryl Dike has managed just three brief cameos since his return from a thigh lay-off and none since a few seconds in the Sheffield Wednesday stalemate on November 1.

Mason said: "Well he's fit and he's training, it's about earning a spot in the team now," Mason said. "Bo has scored three goals in two games and is in a good moment.

"Everyone needs to compete to earn a place. For everyone they need to put the team first and earn a place. Bo has put in good performances and affecting games and no surprise it coincides with some of the treatment he's been getting on a knee problem he was managing for a very long time."