West Brom could sign a free agent as cover

The key midfielder missed yesterday's 1-0 loss to Tottenham after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty with a knee problem.

And, with Goran Popov suspended for three matches, Clarke admitted he could look to sign out-of-contract players to bolster his squad and refused to rule out a move for ex-Villa man Nigel Reo-Coker.

"There are a number of free agents on the market now," said Clarke.

"I saw were were linked with him (Reo-Coker) and now we've lost another member of the squad – Popov can't play until March 9 – it is something I might have to consider.

"Not specifically Nigel, but maybe we have to look at little bit at that market just to see if we need to boost the squad a little bit."

The transfer window closed last week but players not registered with a club at the end of the window are free to sign at any time.

Mulumbu faces tests but Clarke admitted he is unsure when the DR Congo international will be fit to return.

"He missed the last game before he went to the African Cup of Nations because of an injury," said Clarke.

""He went, played three games, and has come back and still has a problem with his knee.

"I've got to be honest, I'm not sure if it is a short-term or a long-term injury

"We've got a little break now, until a week Monday, so we're hopeful."