Jason Dodd has been hit by an injury blow, ruling him out of Albion's defence for up to six weeks.

The former Southampton stalwart faces an operation on the left ankle problem which forced him to miss Monday's 2-0 home win against Plymouth.

Manager Mark McGhee revealed: "Jason requires some surgery on his left ankle, so he is going to be out for probably six weeks.

"It's straightforward, what they call footballers' ankle. I've had it myself.

"A spur has broken off into the joint.

"They are just going to clean it up. He says it will take three weeks but Mal (physio Malcolm Stuart) says it will take six weeks."

Dodd, who swapped St Mary's for Withdean in the summer, is expected to have the operation done by Southampton's surgeon, who is familiar with the 34-year-old's medical history.

Gary Hart took over at right back against Plymouth.

McGhee will have the option of switching Paul Reid back into that position at Leeds on September 10.

Regular leftback Kerry Mayo is expected to be fit by then.

Mayo has missed the last five matches with a calf injury.