West Brom boss Tony Pulis must play a waiting game to see if Allan Nyom is available for selection this weekend.
The defender is yet to get final clearance to face Derby after being left out of Cameroon's squad for the African Nations Cup this week.
Albion need the paperwork from the Cameroon Football Association to play him against the Rams in their FA Cup third-round home tie despite the country's decision not to call him up.
Nyom went to France to discuss his position having said he did not want to be picked for the tournament in Gabon and Pulis is eager to get a final resolution.
He said: "Allan went out to France and they picked their 23, Allan wasn't in that 23, so he came back. Hopefully he's available and up and running for tomorrow's game, if selected.
"In international football they've got to do what they've got to do. They've got the authority to do it.
"We're absolutely delighted he's come back. There was a discussion about whether he should or shouldn't, obviously he's gone out there to be available and they've selected another player in his position.
"That's fantastic for us."
The decision could aid the Baggies' defence with Jonny Evans likely to miss the game with the calf injury which forced him off in Monday's 3-1 win over Hull.
Ben Foster will be rested with Boaz Myhill in goal but Chris Brunt is a doubt having sustained what Pulis described as a "knock" this week.
Meanwhile, Albion midfielder Craig Gardner is wanted by Birmingham on loan.
The 30-year-old has not started for Pulis since August and has made just 10 appearances this season.
Blues boss Gianfranco Zola has £10million to spend in the January transfer window and a deal for Gardner, who played for Birmingham between 2010 and 2011, is being negotiated.
Pulis added: "Birmingham have come in for Gards, I'm not that keen on losing Gards, he's a great professional. He's really good on the pitch and has done very well for me in the two years I've been here."
Source: PA
