Chris Brunt is a major doubt for West Bromwich Albion as Roberto Di Matteo prepares for his first competitive match at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies take on Newcastle United in tomorrow’s tea-time televised kick-off in what will be an emotionally charged game following the death of Sir Bobby Robson, who managed the visitors and captained Albion during his distinguished footballing career.

There will be a minute’s applause before the game, with Albion’s usual pre-match playlist abandoned in favour of Sir Bobby’s Desert Island Discs’ selection.

But when the action starts Di Matteo may have to do without his winger after he suffered a thigh injury during Wednesday’s training session.

Albion’s head coach will, however, have Robert Koren back following the birth of his son, which caused him to miss last weekend’s friendly against Italian club Chievo.

And Di Matteo is confident his players will not be overwhelmed by the atmosphere tomorrow.

He has nothing but admiration for the ex-England boss, claiming that, even though he never met him, he made a huge impact on him.

“We will make sure the players are right,” he said. “We will pay tribute to Sir Bobby Robson but after the tribute there is a game to be played.

“I met him a few times but I didn’t know him very well. He seemed like a really nice guy who was down to earth, talking to everyone. He was one of the few English managers who has gone abroad and been successful.

“It’s difficult to say why, I wouldn’t know, but he obviously had a talent to bring out the best in the players because he did it repeatedly. He did it in Portugal, Spain, England and elsewhere.”

Meanwhile, Di Matteo admitted that he was close to knowing his starting XI.

“I love dilemmas,” he said. “The players don’t know yet but I have almost made my mind up. I have a good idea.

“But obviously the week is only just starting so there are still some places up for grabs.”

Albion’s hopes of signing Joe Mattock were given a huge boost after the 19-year-old Leicester City left back handed in a transfer request.

And Di Matteo is also hoping to use his Premier League contacts to bring in some loan signings. He is happy to give his existing players a chance, however, going into tomorrow’s clash.

‘‘Let’s not rush into decisions,’’ he said. ‘‘We have a very competitive squad here already.”