Mahmoud Dahoud has been told he can still work his way back into the Albion side.

The midfielder was left out of the matchday squad in the third-round tie at Stoke City, before which Roberto De Zerbi said he expected more quality, personality, energy and enthusiasm.

He remained out of the picture in the return to league action at home to Wolves.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Sheffield United, De Zerbi said: “It’s my choice. (Jakub) Moder is playing better, is working better. Baleba is working better.

“Pascal Gross and Billy Gilmour are playing very well.

“We have five midfielders.

“For now, I have preferred the other four midfielders.”

De Zerbi said Dahoud can still have a future in his squad.

He added: “I am always open to changing my opinion.

“I have to watch the game, I have to watch the training and then it is not a problem to change the opinion, to change the hierarchy.