Clement missed most of last season because of injury as well
West Brom defender Neil Clement has been ruled out for the rest of the season by the knee injury he suffered in pre-season against Real Mallorca.
The 30-year-old had an operation on the injury in September and it was initially hoped he would be fit to return in the new year.
Manager Tony Mowbray insisted Clement's recovery was on schedule but added it was unlikely he would play this term.
"Hopefully he'll be doing pre-season with everyone else," said Mowbray.
The manager, who was quoted on the West Brom website, added: "We're not anticipating seeing him this season, but the specialist who saw him last week is positive. Hopefully his rehabilitation will run smoothly."
Clement missed the majority of last season with a persistent injury to his other knee, but returned towards the end of the campaign to help the Baggies win promotion to the Premier League.
Mowbray has had better news from two of his other injured players.
Filipe Teixeira should return to training this week after suffering a calf strain in the warm-up before the 2-1 win over Manchester City nine days ago.
And Gianni Zuiverloon could also be back in training ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third-round game with Peterborough after a hamstring problem.
"Filipe is close now and should be training again this week - he may have a chance for the weekend," said Mowbray.
"With Gianni we think it's just a cramping of his muscles rather than a hamstring strain - it's probably the effect of two games in three days.
"In other leagues the foreign players are generally on a three or four-week break at this time of year and generally don't have to play two games in three days.
"Hopefully he should be back in training on Thursday."
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