TOM Flanagan is facing three-to-four weeks on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury at Aston Villa on Saturday.
The defender was on crutches after the game but the injury isn’t as bad as first feared.
Albion manager Nigel Clough said: “Tom was in quite a bit of discomfort after the game. He’s not done his calf before so it was a little bit of fear as well. But he has had a scan and we are hoping it will be three-to-four weeks which is better than the four-to-six weeks original estimate.”
The Brewers also lost Luke Murphy (gashed leg) and Ben Turner (ankle) in the 3-2 defeat with the defender the most likely to have a chance to be involved in Saturday’s trip to Ipswich Town.
Albion were also without striker Darren Bent and midfielder Martin Samuelsen at Villa Park.
Clough said: “To lose five players from the Friday morning to 70 minutes into the Aston Villa game was a blow. Darren Bent will do a bit of training this week, so we will see how he is. Martin Samuelsen has recovered from flu and should be available.
“Luke Murphy; it depends on how this nasty gash on his shin settles down – 12 stitches is an awful lot. With two or three stitches you can more easily get away with it.
“Ben Turner will go to Friday afternoon or even Saturday before we know.”
Clough added that Damien McCrory is now close to fitness and may be recalled to the squad to provide cover for the injured Flanagan.