West Bromwich Albion have announced that defender Craig Dawson will miss the next two months of action with a knee injury.
During the closing stages of Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Southampton, Dawson was forced off with what was initially feared to be a cruciate ligament injury, but the club's doctor has revealed that the injury is better than first feared.
Dr Mark Gillett told the club's official website: "The injury gave Craig a serious thigh muscle bleed and a torn knee capsule.
"It's a serious injury but we are heartened that it's already showing an improvement and surgery is not required."
The injury comes at a time when West Brom have failed to win any of their last seven matches in the Premier League.
Dawson has started each of the Baggies' 11 fixtures in all competitions this season.
