ROBERTO Di Matteo admits he can empathise with Neil Clement as the defender's career hangs in the balance.
Clement is awaiting the verdict of one last specialist to see if he will be able to play competitive football again after being sidelined for 16 months by an articular cartilage defect in his right knee.
And Di Matteo understands the agony Albion's current longest-serving player is going through.
The former Italy international had his own playing days cut short by a horrific injury in September 2000 when he suffered a triple leg fracture in a UEFA Cup tie against Swiss side FC St Gallen.
He spent 17 months trying to battle back to fitness but was forced to hang up his boots in February 2002.
"It's a wait and see scenario for Clem," said the Baggies boss.
"At some point a decision will have to be made whether he can play, from him, the consultants, as to whether he can continue his career.
"It's not an easy decision.
"I experienced it myself.
"All of your life has been in football and you have a rhythm in your life, training, matchday, pre-season, the actual season.
"It's not easy and it does change your life. You have to adapt to a change of life."
Di Matteo also provided an update on the progress of Ishmael Miller (knee) and James Morrison (heel) on their road to recovery.
"They are progressing well," he added.
"Ishmael is ahead of Morrison and they're on schedule.
"Ishmael is training with the team.
"He's not 100 per cent but he's doing well.
"He is very keen and we will have to manage him because he's not played for a year.
"We will gradually increase his workload and ease him back him.
"He is still powerful and quick.
"It's difficult to judge but he looks himself and time will tell once he plays on a full pitch but we expect him to be back to normal when he returns."
