Albion keeper Michel Kuipers faces surgery on his injured thigh next month, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Boss Steve Coppell is resigned to being without the big Dutchman after his comeback was cut short yesterday.

Kuipers played only the first half in the Reserves as they drew 1-1 away to Oxford United.

He was still troubled by the pulled kicking muscle in his right thigh which has sidelined him since the FA Cup defeat at Norwich City on January 14.

Albion, fearing the worst, had already lined up an operation date of April 8.

Coppell said: "He came off at half time, so I can assume it is not right and he will be going down the route of an operation.

"I could tell Michel wasn't happy with it anyway. The plan was for him to play the whole game and if he came through then brilliant.

"We were told by the surgeon he couldn't damage it more, because the operation involves rupturing the muscle."

Coppell admits he is not optimistic about signing another keeper as cover for Dave Beasant by today's transfer deadline.

"It's almost impossible for me to get anyone now on the basis of being a No. 2," he said. "I've made phone calls but I know I am not going to get anyone."

Will Packham, who replaced Kuipers in the second half yesterday, will continue to understudy Beasant for the relegation run-in.

Coppell was awaiting the result last night of a second scan on the slight hamstring tear which has ruled Bobby Zamora out of the last two matches.

He has been pursuing another striker as cover, but said: "I don't think I can get the player I had in mind now."

Paul Kitson came through a 90-minute comeback in the Reserves' match.

Captain Danny Cullip is expected to have a scan today on the hamstring injury which forced him out of Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.

Fellow centre half Dean Blackwell suffered a sore ankle in that game but Coppell says he should be okay after two or three days' rest and will be available for Albion's next outing at Reading on April 4.