West Brom signing Ali Gabr is still waiting to make his debut due to work permit problems.

The Express & Star says the Egyptian centre-back, who has joined on loan from Zamalek, was unavailable for last week's games against Manchester City and Southampton because he is not permitted to work in the United Kingdom yet.

He is currently in Egypt where the British Embassy in Cairo is processing the paperwork that Albion have sent off.

But the Baggies have been told that his work permit is unlikely to be approved in time for next Monday's visit to Chelsea, and are now are hoping it will be sorted in time for the FA Cup match against Southampton.