Report: West Brom mainstay expected to battle to prove fitness ahead of Leeds clash

West Brom have been without a number of key players in recent weeks and they have certainly suffered as a result.

Slaven Bilic has been without key figures all around the pitch, with the likes of Grady Diangana and Kieran Gibbs missing recently.

The Baggies have suffered during that time, and have seen their gap at the top cut, with Wednesday's opponents Leeds jumping above them recently.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Middlesbrough was the ultimate disappointment at the Hawthorns and not the type of warm-up needed for the crunch clash.

One player expected to be battling to prove his fitness is Kyle Bartley. The former Leeds defender has been missing with an ankle problem since the draw against Brentford before Christmas.

The Express and Star have reported on their website that Bartley will join Diangana and Gibbs by making themselves ready for selection on New Years Day.

Having those three available would give the Baggies a massive boost, and one they certainly need at this moment in time.

Ahmed Hegazi filled the void against Middlesbrough and certainly struggled alongside Semi Ajayi in an all-round disappointing display.

Having Bartley and Ajayi back together for the game against Leeds could make all the difference. The two defensive enforcers have both been phenomenal so far, with their pace and strength way too much of a match for opposing strikers in the Championship.

In other West Brom news, View: Quartet to be dropped in four changes – West Brom predicted XI v Leeds