West Brom's Grady Diangana is aiming to be back for Leeds clash

The Baggies’ trickster was forced off in the first half of the victory at Blues last weekend after netting the visitors’ first goal.

West Ham loanee Diangana is recovering from a slight niggle in his back that will see him miss Saturday’s visit of Brentford, the Boxing Day trip to Barnsley and most likely the home clash against Middlesbrough on December 29. But he could return for the huge New Year’s Day Hawthorns showdown with title rivals Leeds.

The 21-year-old’s absence will be felt by Slaven Bilic’s side after some dazzling displays during his loan switch from the Irons.

West Ham have the option to recall the attacker from his season-long loan in January, but reports that Diangana will never play for the Baggies again due to the injury are wide of the mark, the Express & Star understands.

Albion are in contact with Premier League strugglers West Ham about Diangana’s rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, additional tickets are now available for the visits of Brentford and Middlesbrough following the move of the Smethwick End divide.

The festive fixtures were both on course for Hawthorns sell-outs but more seats are now on sale after the visiting pair returned tickets from their allocations.

Blocks A3 and A6 in the Smethwick End are now available to home supporters online, in-person at The Hawthorns ticket office, or by calling 0121 227 2227.

Defender Kyle Bartley has heaped praise on boss Bilic’s tactical astuteness in changing games in Albion’s favour.

“He’s done it consistently over the season,” said Bartley. “He’s brought on the right people at the right time, and done tweaks that people sometimes don’t see.

“He changed the formation on Saturday two or three times, and I think that’s what we needed.

“Things weren’t working the way we’d hoped for, and that’s why Slaven is a top manager – he knows what needs to be done at key times and the know how to do it at the right time.”