And Clarke reveals he has another doubt ahead of Saints trip
CHRIS Brunt has been ruled out of Saturday’s trip to Southampton (ko 3pm) due to a knee problem.The Baggies skipper suffered the injury at the end of last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
In the same game goalscorer Billy Jones sustained a gashed leg that makes him a doubt for the St Mary’s clash.
But Peter Odemwingie is available for selection again after overcoming the knee niggle that kept him out of the last two games.
“Chris’ injury is a little bit of a concern for us,” said Clarke.
“But fingers crossed the medical department will do the job they’ve done all season and get him back quickly.
“It would be nice to think he’ll only miss one game but there is a possibility he will miss more than one game.
“He’s not going to make it this week and it is fingers crossed for next week.
“It puts us down to the bare bones with Youssouf [Mulumbu] suspended – but Youssouf will be available again next week.
“Billy picked up a really nasty gash on his leg and is doubtful.
“But I would be hopeful Billy will maybe make it.”
The Baggies boss will also be without youngsters Isaiah Brown and Kemar Roofe due to injury.
But fellow Academy product Donervorn Daniels is in Clarke’s thoughts ahead of the weekend.
“I would imagine one or two of the younger players will travel with the squad,” he added.
“I’ll decide when I get down there whether they are in my matchday squad.
“Izzy is still injured. Last week I had Kemar on the bench but he got injured playing for the Under-21s in the week, so it won’t be him.
“Donervorn Daniels was in the 19-man squad last week.
“Donervorn trained with us today and it might be that Donervorn travels with us.”