TONY Mowbray has revealed Ishmael Miller suffered medial knee ligament damage in today's 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.
The Baggies striker sustained the injury in an accidental collision with Pompey goalkeeper David James in the 76th minute and was stretchered off.
Miller was taken to hospital after the game for a scan which will confirm the extent of the damage, but Mowbray already fears the three-goal hitman will be out for at least six weeks.
"Ishmael collided with James and it was just one of those things," said the Albion boss.
"I think he's got a medial knee ligament injury, which is a blow to us.
"Although he's only 21, he is a threat to most teams he plays against because his size, pace and power puts them on the back foot.
"While he's also got a few stitches in his head, Ishmael's off to hospital now to get an X-ray on his leg to see what the severity of the injury is.
"But the doctors say it's a medial knee ligament injury and in my experience it will be a minimum of six weeks out.
"But we'll wait to see how severe it is."
With the January transfer window opening in just over three weeks, Mowbray was asked at his post-match press conference how the loss of Miller would affect his recruitment plans.
But he preferred to focus on the opportunity that is now there for fellow hitmen Luke Moore, who came on for the ex-Manchester City ace, and four-goal top scorer Roman Bednar.
"We're looking to loan players in if we can," the Hawthorns chief added.
"We're making enquiries.
"It's very difficult to bring a Premier League-quality striker in who will score you lots of goals.
"No-one's going to give you those for free.
"What I look at as a positive is that it will give Luke and Roman the opportunity to push themselves forward.
"They probably feel as if they should be playing more regularly and will now get an opportunity.
"Luke hasn't really had an opportunity and if one comes from this and he grasps the nettle by pushing himself forward, that would be great for him and for us.
"Let's hope one of them comes to the fore and scores goals."
PIC: INJURY BLOW...Miller collides with James before being stretchered off
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