Albion have been given a timely boost on the eve of their trip to Merseyside with the news that captain Jonathan Greening has returned to full training - however Saturday's game against Everton will come too soon for the former Manchester United and Middlesbrough man.
Greening has been sidelined since damaging his medial knee ligament against Burnley nearly five weeks ago but completed his first full training session this week. The Albion skipper has been sorely missed in the heart of Albion's midfield but Tony Mowbray has refused to rush his influential captain back.
"Jonathan has been training with us over the last few days," the Baggies boss revealed.
"I don't think anyone has tackled him yet!
"I won't be risking him even though he is back in training.
"He'll continue to strengthen his medial ligament in the gym alongside training with the team.
Mowbray also gave a positive insight into the progress of Jonas Olsson and Youssouf Mulumbu, but much like Greening, have both been ruled out for the weekend.
"Jonas is getting closer as well," Mowbray continued.
"He's getting more confident everyday with it.
"But he hasn't trained yet so he's not involved this weekend.
"Mulumbu will not be fit for Everton.
"The physio tells me he might train on Monday so we'll wait and see.
"I see a natural gap because of the FA Cup weekend next weekend and I would hope we'll be totally clear of injuries after that.
"He (Greening) came through training today and I then caught him in the treatment room with his toe in a bowl of ice.
"I think he's desperate to train and be involved and, yet, he's probably as sore as hell."