Fabian Huerzeler says skipper Lewis Dunk is keen to get back into action after suffering a “small” calf muscle injury.

The skipper misses tomorrow’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Liverpool.

He was forced out of the 2-2 draw with Wolves after suffering the problem in the warm-up.

Huerzeler said this morning: “Lewis has a small muscle issue, not that big and I think he is a great healer.

“We have to go day by day and for sure we can’t take any risks with him but he is keen on coming back as soon as possible.

“We will go day by day and then we will see when he will be back.”

Asked whether it is unlikely Dunk would return before the next international break, Huerzeler told a press conference: “No, it’s possible.”

With Adam Webster still out, Albion look set to again pair Jan Paul van Hecke and Igor at the back in the fourth-round contest.

Huerzeler said: “For sure he (Dunk) is our captain, he has great experience, great qualities, not only as a player but also as a leader on the pitch.

“He knows what he has to do to win Premier League games, especially also against big opponents.

“But Igor, who replaced him at the weekend, also made a great impact, had a great game.

“I am really happy that we have such defenders.

“But, of course, if Lewis misses the games it would be not easy to replace him.”