Club News

Clarke concern for Thorne

Boss admits midfielder's injury may force deadline-day rethink

STEVE Clarke admitted George Thorne’s worrying injury at Everton may force the club to rethink their deadline-day plans.

The head coach has said all along that he would be happy to continue working with the squad at his disposal for the remainder of the season.

However, after Thorne was stretchered off in some discomfort in the 43rd minute of the 2-1 defeat at Everton, Clarke revealed the club would be reassessing their options ahead of the January window closing today at 11pm.

Clarke’s first concern, though, is learning the extent of Thorne’s injury.

“George has hurt his right knee,” said the head coach.

“It doesn’t look good at the moment but we’ll take him for a scan today.

“The medical people will do their job and find out the scale of the damage.”

Clarke added: “We’re now in a really difficult situation.

“We had no plans to freshen up things during the window. We wanted to keep the squad we’ve got. 

“But we’ll now have to assess George’s injury quickly and review the situation.

“I’ll meet with the board and discuss the best way forward for the club – but we’re short of time. The window closes tonight!

“It wasn’t in our plans to do anything in this window but maybe we’ll be pushed into a situation.

“But, first of all, we have to wait on the news on George.”

Clarke also revealed there was no further news on Peter Odemwingie’s situation.

“As far as I know, there have been no other bids for Peter,” he added.

“He’s still with us and I expect him in for training today.

“It’s the last day of the window so any movement in or out, as I sit here now, would seem to me to be highly unlikely – but you never know.”