West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke has insisted that striker Peter Odemwingie remains an important part of his squad.

Odemwingie has not started for the Baggies since he failed to secure a move to Queens Park Rangers on transfer deadline day, but Clarke has revealed that the Nigerian striker could replace the ineligible Romelu Lukaku against Chelsea on Saturday.

The 49-year-old told the Birmingham Mail: "Peter is fine. He has been good in training all week. He's worked hard and he knows Romelu can't play, so he knows he's got a chance to play.

"I said before and I'll say again, Peter is an important part of the squad."

The 31-year-old has scored five goals in 18 appearances for West Brom this season.