Alan Pardew's concerns over a lack of goals were heightened after Daniel Sturridge's latest setback in West Brom's 3-0 loss at Chelsea.
Sturridge - who joined West Brom on loan from Liverpool in January - was making on his second start for Pardew's men, but limped off in just the third minute to be replaced by Jay Rodriguez.
The setback is the latest in a long line of Sturridge injuries, but Pardew insisted the initial signs point to a strain rather than a more serious muscle tear.
"It was a blow to lose Daniel on his first run," Pardew told Sky Sports. "That didn't give us the perfect start. We just can't seem to get the goals that get us the wins, and they need to come, and come quickly, so Daniel's recovery will be important now - we need to get him back.
"We are hoping it is not that bad. It happened very early in the game, but we don't think it is a tear. It seems to be a strain, which will probably keep him out of the FA Cup game. Hopefully, fingers crossed, in a couple of weeks he'll be OK."
Trending
- Arsenal agree Odegaard loan deal
- McGregor in shock loss to Poirier; vows to battle on
- 'I'm a Gunner for life' - Ozil completes Fenerbahce move
- FA Cup R5 draw: Man Utd to host West Ham
- How a cruel night for another Fury ended AJ plan
- Warnock fumes: I feel sick for Fry, he could've lost his eye
- WATCH: England vs All Stars LIVE!
- FREE LIVE GOLF: Tournament of Champions
- Athers: No problems with Dickwella chat
- Arteta: Auba has 'personal issue' to address
West Brom had their chances at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea were more clinical as Eden Hazard's double set Antonio Conte's men en route to a crucial three points.
Pardew was unhappy with his side's lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, as the defeat leaves West Brom rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, seven points from safety.
"No goals - when you come to the top teams, and get chances, you've got to take them," Pardew added. "[Jay] Rodriguez, [Salomon] Rondon and [Jonny] Evans. One of those might have been enough to unnerve them [Chelsea], but they got confidence from the 2-0 lead and that made it even more difficult.
"In many ways, we've done a decent job tonight, but the scoreline reflects the season - there's been games we've had great control over, we didn't here but we have in other games, but we can't just seem to get the goals to give us the win. And they need to come quickly."