West Brom defender Craig Dawson out for two months with knee injury

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West Brom have been dealt an injury blow with the news that Craig Dawson is expected to be out for around two months.

The defender was forced off late on in the Premier League defeat at Southampton on Saturday evening amid concerns he may have suffered cruciate knee ligament damage.

Craig Dawson (right) rises to challenge Southampton's Manolo Gabbiadini at St Mary's

However, West Brom said scans had revealed the problem is not as serious as initially feared and the 27-year-old will not need an operation.

'The injury gave Craig a serious thigh muscle bleed and a torn knee capsule,' said Dr Mark Gillett, the club's director of performance.

'It's a serious injury, but we are heartened that it's already showing an improvement and surgery is not required.'

Dawson has played at right-back and centre-half this season, starting all 11 of West Brom's matches in all competitions.

Dawson - seen here training earlier this month - will be out until the end of the year