West Bromwich Albion look set for a mammoth blow this month, with Harvey Barnes to be recalled by Leicester City after an exciting loan spell at the Hawthorns.  

According to John Percy at the Telegraph, Leicester will recall Barnes, after the 21-year-old’s nine goals and six assists in an Albion shirt.

It is, of course, a blow for the Baggies, who are chasing an instant return to the top-flight under Darren Moore.

Taking on our own six pointer is FLW writer Alfie Burns, answering six questions around the recall of Barnes.

1) First of all, how big of a blow is this for West Brom in general? 

It’s massive, there’s no denying it.

Barnes has been consistently brilliant for the Baggies this season and he will be missed.

Moore will be so disappointed. 

2) Will the loss of Barnes affect their chances of promotion? 

If he’s not replaced then absolutely.

Pulling such a key part out of any promotion-chasing side would do the same.

There have been times this season when Barnes has been the difference between a loss and a draw, or a draw and win.

He’s been massive.

3) Who currently at the club can help fill the void left by Barnes?

There’s still some exceptional attacking talent at the Hawthorns, and with Jay Rodriguez, Dwight Gayle and Matt Phillips around, they will be a threat going forward.

Wes Hoolahan’s chance might be on the horizon, or a youngster like Jonathan Leko could be promoted.

With hindsight, letting Oli Burke go was a ridiculous decision.

4) Should Moore be using the January window to sign a Barnes replacement, if so, who would be a good replacement?

Absolutely, Moore will have wanted to strengthen anyway, so losing Barnes only adds to that need.

The name that springs to mind is Bradley Dack given West Brom’s pursuit in the summer.

He’d be a great signing, but he’d cost an enormous fee and Blackburn would be reluctant to offload.

5) Can you see Barnes being played much at Leicester after the recall?

Absolutely and it is more than deserved.

Leicester are a good club and they wouldn’t recall him if he was just going to rot in the reserves.

Puel would be stupid not to use a player like Barnes, who is clearly brimming with confidence. 

6) With West Brom without Barnes for their big clash with Norwich tomorrow, how do you see the game panning out?

Before this, I was adamant we’d see Moore’s side pick up three points, but this is an obvious blow.

It’ll give Norwich a boost, but it’s kind of a must-win game for the Baggies, so I’ll stick with a home win.

Someone will step up and produce instead of Barnes.