Key midfielder set to undergo knee surgery
ALBION have been dealt a major injury setback with the news Zoltan Gera will miss the rest of the season.
Scans have confirmed the four-goal midfielder has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The 33-year-old suffered the injury in the 21st minute of Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at QPR.
He is scheduled to undergo an operation to repair his knee next week.
The usual rehab time for this injury is six-to-nine months and the club's medical services department will now give Gera their full support.
Steve Clarke has paid tribute to the huge contribution Gera has made to the club’s most promising start to a Barclays Premier League campaign.
“I’m devastated for Zoltan,” said Clarke.
“He’s a terrific guy and professional and I want to thank him for his contribution this season. It has been invaluable.
“He’ll now get our full support during the rehab process. Zoltan has already proven he can come back from this injury once and produce at the highest level and I have no doubts he will do so again.”
Gera has made 18 appearances this term, having battled back to fitness from a similar injury suffered last November in time for the start of this season.
Gera, who has also played four times for Hungary this term, has hit four vital goals, with his strikes against Liverpool, QPR, Sunderland and Norwich all helping to secure Barclays Premier League wins.