Clarke backs West Brom depth

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke is confident of covering the potential absences of Peter Odemwingie and Youssuf Mulumbu.

Both players could be on Africa Cup of Nations duty if called up by their national sides, Nigeria and DR Congo respectively, in January.

West Brom have made a magnificent start to the Premier League season, sitting in sixth place having lost just one game in seven.

The loss of two regulars in Mulumbu and Odewingie will be manageable, Clarke says.

“As things stand, we’re comfortable with the squad we’ve got,” the former Chelsea and Liverpool assistant told reporters.

“If not, it’s a good month for it because the transfer window is open again in January, and if you need to address the situation you can.”

Odemwingie has 54 caps for Nigeria while Mulumbu, who has twice made himself unavailable for his national team, could add to his 12 international caps in South Africa.