And positive news elsewhere on the injury front
STEVE Clarke is hopeful Chris Brunt will be fit for Sunday’s trip to Norwich (ko 3pm).Last night’s 1-0 defeat by Manchester City was the third successive game the Baggies skipper has missed due to the knee injury he suffered against Newcastle last month.
But the plan is for him to return to training tomorrow or Friday, with a view to facing the Canaries.
“Fingers crossed Chris will be available for Sunday,” said Clarke.
“I’ve given the players the day off today and I’m hoping Chris can join in training on Thursday.
“That might be a bit early – but Friday hopefully – which gives him a chance for the weekend.”
The Albion chief also revealed Gabriel Tamas should be okay after needing stitches to a head wound caused by Aleksandar Kolarov’s high foot in a first-half challenge at the Etihad Stadium.
“It looked a bit high from Kolarov but Gabi’s head was down a little bit as well,” added Clarke.
“He’s got a bad cut, with stitches in it, and he lives to fight another day.
“I haven’t heard any complaints and I haven’t seen that incident again.
“You can’t make too much of it - these things happen in a game.”
The Baggies boss was pleased to see James Morrison get 90 minutes under his belt after coming on as a 78th-minute substitute in the previous game with Wigan following a groin problem.
And Goran Popov and Steven Reid returned to the Baggies bench against City after overcoming injuries.
The Carrow Road encounter will see Marc-Antoine Fortune serve the final game of his three-match ban for his red card in the 3-0 win at Southampton.