Speaking after his side had played out a one-all draw with Oldham Athletic in Sky Bet League Two, Clarke confirmed that one of the club's major injury worries may not be as bad as once feared.
Speaking to the media shortly after full-time, Clarke said; "The good news is Rory Holden doesn’t need an operation now. He’s had another assessment and he should be off his crutches on Wednesday.
Clarke, who saw his side pegged back in the second-half following Zak Jules' second goal of the season, revealed that influential midfielder Rory Holden will not require surgery and could be back in action by late February.
The manager had previously admitted that Holden, who suffered a knee injury following a recent training session, was likely to miss the remainder of the season and was set for surgery.
However, following another assessment, the former Bristol City man will not need to go under the knife and will work with Head Physio Marc Czuczman in a bid to return to fitness by mid-to-late February.
"We’re hoping that best-case scenario to have him back middle of February or end of February. That is good news."