Hodgson waits on Mulumbu

Youssuf Mulumbu: West Brom midfielder will miss his side¿s game against Everton

West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson is unsure how long Youssuf Mulumbu will be out but believes that the midfielder's injury is not a long-term one.

The 24-year-old picked up a groin strain during the Baggies' Premier League game against Manchester City on Boxing Day that ended in a goalless draw, and will miss the clash with Everton on Sunday.

Mulumbu has undergone a scan that has shown no serious damage but Hodgson does not want to take a risk with the Congolese midfielder anytime soon.

Not serious

"The scan results weren't that bad I don't think," he said on West Brom's official website.

"He has got a groin strain but we don't think there is any major muscle damage.

"Whether he'll be back in time for any of these Christmas games or even whether he'll be back in time for the Cardiff game, I couldn't say at this moment in time.

"It's an ongoing process. I don't think it's one of those injuries that is going to keep him out for weeks or months on end.

"It's more a question of having to get him over this groin problem, which has come about through overuse basically - that happens to everyone I'm afraid."