Albion head coach Graham Potter has confirmed Christian Walton’s injury is not as bad as first feared.

The 24-year-old keeper was stretchered off in the friendly against Chelsea on Saturday, after landing awkwardly on his right ankle when coming out to claim a cross and was replaced by Robert Sanchez, after only 18 minutes on the pitch.

Potter had the following to say on Walton’s injury after an initial scan on Sunday.

He said: “Christian’s ankle is still badly swollen, although we are hopeful the prognosis is not as severe as we had initially feared.

“We still need to let the swelling subside before we can fully assess the extent and put a definitive date on his return, but we are hopeful it will be weeks as opposed to months before he is back.”

Walton impressed during a season-long loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers last season where he made 46 appearances in all competitions.

He has been involved in both of Albion’s pre-season matches so far.