West Brom winger Thomas undergoes knee surgery

Posted Friday, September 14, 2012 by Goal.com

The 29-year-old is set to miss another two weeks of the season after a minor procedure, but Steve Clarke is hopeful of having Steven Reid back soon, and he could face Fulham

West Brom winger Jerome Thomas has undergone minor knee surgery which is likely to keep him out of action for the next two weeks.

The 29-year-old is yet to make an appearance this season after struggling from thigh and hip injuries throughout the summer.

"He has had a lot of niggling injuries over the course of pre-season," Clarke told reporters.

"He's just had a minor operation on his knee and he will be out for another couple of weeks."

Clarke is hoping for better news on Steven Reid who picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Everton.

The boss knows the game against Fulham at Craven Cottage could come too early for the 31-year-old, but Clarke is happy that the defender will only put himself forward for selection if fully fit.

Clarke added: "I'm hopeful more than confident in terms of Steven being available.

"He is a good professional, he knows his body well and, when I ask him the question, he will give me an honest answer.

"But I won't ask that question until later tomorrow."

The Baggies sit third in the table having picked up seven points from a possible nine, the same amount that Wolves had at the same stage of last season but still ended up being relegated. Clarke, however, has been impressed with the intelligence shown by his squad, who are not getting carried away with their good start.

He said: "Shane [Long] came up with that stat and it shows the players I've got are level headed, intelligent and grounded.

"They understand how difficult the Premier League is and to get points, you have to play well and work hard every game.

"There is no-one inside this building getting carried away. We are delighted with the start we've made but that's it."