But he insists he feared injuries to his star players, and promotion is his priority.
And West Brom - who are challenging Newcastle for promotion and knocked us out of the FA Cup - are facing a tough fixture pile-up AND an injury crisis.
West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo was in dour mood as he reflected on injuries to Abdoulaye Meite and Gonzalo Jara which will stretch his promotion-chasing squad following their 2-2 draw with Reading in the FA Cup.
Jara was replaced at the break by Youssouf Mulumbu, who lasted just 16 minutes before he picked up two bookings, while centre-half Meite failed to reappear after being caught by Long's wild challenge.
Di Matteo: "I am sad today because we lost three players to injury and suspension and we could do without that.
"Jara had to have five stitches, it was a very bad challenge, and we will have to wait and see about Meite.
"It's not part of the plan to have a replay as we have lots of games coming up but we are happy to be still in the cup.
"I said that we would love to have a cup run this season and we are still in it."
FA Cup holders Chelsea have been handed a home quarter-final against either Manchester City or Stoke ... with the prospect of an interesting John Terry v Wayne Bridge clash at Stamford Bridge.
FA CUP SIXTH ROUND DRAW
Chelsea v Man City/Stoke City
Fulham v Bolton/Tottenham
Reading/West Brom v Crystal Palace/Aston Villa
Portsmouth v Birmingham City
Ties to be played over the weekend of March 6