West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he is "relieved" that striker Shane Long has not been ruled out for longer than six weeks.

The Premier League side confirmed on Monday that the frontman is likely to be sidelined for up to a month and a half with a knee injury suffered in their 2-1 victory against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Despite the blow, the former Liverpool boss thinks that the 24-year-old could have been ruled out for a longer spell.

"I was a bit relieved although six weeks is still a lot," said Hodgson. "It means he will still possibly miss six games.

"You don't take the situation lightly - but we know it could have been a lot worse.

"The ideal scenario would have been no injury at all but, if there has got to be one, at least it's not a serious break or ligament damage."

The former Reading forward is expected to return in early December.