West Brom striker Romelu Lukaku will be back in contention for Saturday’s trip to Fulham after proving his fitness while on international duty.
The powerful teenage striker, who is on loan with the Baggies for the season from Chelsea, scored on his debut against Liverpooland was again introduced from the bench against Tottenham.
He then missed the Capital One Cup date with Yeovil and the Premier League success against Evertondue to an ankle injury, but was fit enough to join up with his international colleagues and played 45 minutes in the win over Wales on Friday.
Lukaku is set to feature again in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier with Croatia before returning to the Hawthorns to prepare for Saturday’s Premier League date at Craven Cottage.
“Romelu’s injury was the result of a tackle and, to be honest, it was probably a 10-day injury. He just ran out of time to play against Everton,” manager Steve Clarke told the club’s official website.
“It was natural that he would be fit and ready to play for Belgium.”
But Steven Reid remains a doubt for the clash with the Cottagers after suffering a hamstring problem in the triumph against Everton prior to the international break.
Clarke admitted: “We’re hopeful, but not expectant, on Steven Reid.”
And Jerome Thomas must wait a little longer before being given the opportunity to impress Clarke, with the former Charlton midfielder yet to feature this season due to a hip problem.
“Jerome won’t be fit this weekend,” the Baggies boss added. “He’s been a bit in and out and has picked up lots of little niggles, which is unfortunate for Jerome.
“But he’s working as hard as he can to get back as quickly as possible. It’s disappointing that we haven’t had a chance to get him outside more often.”
Sky Sport
